vaccinations and school entrance--can someone explain?

I am not yet a mom but will be very soon and am confused about something I am hoping you moms and dads with kids in school may know the answers to. As I understand some parents delay the shots and "pick and choose" which shots they will allow there children to get. That being said, I went to look up exactly what is required by NYS law and it appears pretty much every shot must be given prior to entrance in Kindergarten.
http://www.health.state.ny.us/publications/2370.pdf

So I gues my question is, you can delay shots but ulitmately you must get them all before kindergarten or your child won't be allowed in, correct? I gues that struck me as a little odd as I hear people "choosing" to avoid Hep B or DTAP, but really they can't unless they are completely not vaccinating because as it appears to me NYS requires all children to have all shots--unless of course I guess you get the religious exemption...does this sound accurate, I'm not sure if I am understanding how it works correctly.??? I hope tihs makes sense and I explained my question..

Message edited 12/11/2007 12:34:38 AM.

Re: vaccinations and school entrance--can someone explain?

I have made up my own shot schedule with my dr. My DS WILL get all of his shots but over a 4-5 yr. period as opposed to a 1-2 yr. period I guess you can say. I opted not to give DS the hep. shot in the hospital, but he got it at one of his monthly ped. visits. I only give DS one shot a visit (1 shot a month). It requires extra ped. visits but he is totally ok with it and it puts me more at ease. In my case, DS's shots will just be delayed but he will receive all the shots necessary by kindergarten. However, there are people that opt out of certain shots altogether. It is a process, but if you prove you have chose not to vaccinate your child for religious purposes, your child is still able to enter into the school system.

Re: vaccinations and school entrance--can someone explain?

NYS only allows religious & medical exemptions. Each year the school requires a letter from the parents. Depending on the district, they may call you down in front of the Board to explain your religious beliefs.

I know a few people who have chosen not to vaccinate their children based on philosophical beliefs (which NY currently does allow). They go down to the Board & state it is their God-given right not the vaccinate their child.

Re: vaccinations and school entrance--can someone explain?