Immunization Requirements -- Please Clarify!

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  • preschoolteacher
    Daycare.com Member
    • Apr 2013
    • 935

    Immunization Requirements -- Please Clarify!

    One family is not up-to-date with their immunizations. I'm looking at the Child Care Immunization Record, and there is an option (B) that says:

    For children who are younger than 15 months OR have not received all required immunizations. I certify that the above-named child has received the immunizations indicated. In order to remain enrolled, this child must receive all required vaccines within 18 months from the initial enrollment date.

    What does this mean? Does the family have 18 months to get caught up? Or do they need to get caught up now? I'm confused...
  • Blackcat31
    • Oct 2010
    • 36124

    #2
    Originally posted by preschoolteacher
    One family is not up-to-date with their immunizations. I'm looking at the Child Care Immunization Record, and there is an option (B) that says:

    For children who are younger than 15 months OR have not received all required immunizations. I certify that the above-named child has received the immunizations indicated. In order to remain enrolled, this child must receive all required vaccines within 18 months from the initial enrollment date.

    What does this mean? Does the family have 18 months to get caught up? Or do they need to get caught up now? I'm confused...
    I guess I can't say for sure but I would take that as meaning that they have 18 months TOTAL from the initial enrollment date to make sure they are current.

    If they enrolled 17 months ago, they have only a month to go before they are out of compliance.

    I have a family that does delayed and/or scattered vaccinations and they submitted a written plan for their child's imms from their pediatrician and the state accepted it as ok. They won't be on schedule with other vaccinated kids but because they have a written plan from a doctor, it's ok. I guess.

    How come your DCF is behind?

    Is your licensor easily reachable? If not, mine is and I will gladly ask her if you want.

    Comment

    • preschoolteacher
      Daycare.com Member
      • Apr 2013
      • 935

      #3
      I'm not sure why they are behind. It looks like they started two different immunization series but then never continued them, while continuing others. I'm waiting to hear back.

      I tried to reach mine, but she's very hard to get to. If your licensor is easily reachable, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for helping out.

      Comment

      • 2grls4us
        Daycare.com Member
        • Mar 2013
        • 69

        #4
        I went online and looked at the record you are refering to. The instructions area on the 2nd page states they as parents have 18 months from enrolling into your program to catch up on the required immunizations. If you are conserned with state compliance or have any questions regarding the catch up schedule I would contact the Immunization dept for your state. Each state has different laws. Depending on what you have listed in your contract you can exempt them from returning to child care until they are in the process of catching up. Previous to opening my daycare 2 yrs ago I worked for our state immunization program for 10 yrs. So your post caught my attention I hope I was able to help. Have a good day.

        Comment

        • Blackcat31
          • Oct 2010
          • 36124

          #5
          Originally posted by preschoolteacher
          I'm not sure why they are behind. It looks like they started two different immunization series but then never continued them, while continuing others. I'm waiting to hear back.

          I tried to reach mine, but she's very hard to get to. If your licensor is easily reachable, I would really appreciate it. Thank you for helping out.
          My licensor said they have 18 months from the date of enrollment. period.

          She said they could have a schedule of expected immunizations submitted but unless there is a medical or religious reason the child is behind, the schedule to make up the imms wouldn't necessarily be accepted by the state.

          So basically, if they were just lazy...then they are out of compliance.

          In my case, the child had seizures twice after multiple imms given at once so the state accepted the delayed/scattered schedule because the child's doctor could verify that there was a medical reasons for the delay in immunizations.

          Hope that makes sense.

          Comment

          • 2grls4us
            Daycare.com Member
            • Mar 2013
            • 69

            #6
            Just had another thought for you as well. Does the record only have one provider that has administered the vaccinations? You can just ask the parents to bring you in a printout from the doctors office showing all the immunizations and proof that they are up to date or in the process of being. Some states also have online registries so that if a child goes to more than one clinic for immunizations the online record is accurate and keeps the child from getting duplicates etc, if your state has such a thing the parents can request a copy of the record from them as well.

            Comment

            • TwinKristi
              Family Childcare Provider
              • Aug 2013
              • 2390

              #7
              Our form has an area on the back for parents to sign if they're doing an alternate vaccine schedule.

              Comment

              • Naptime yet?
                Daycare.com Member
                • Dec 2013
                • 443

                #8
                I just went through this with a parent...dcb (not quite 2) had to get 5 shots to be caught up to DC regulations. Ouch.

                Comment

                • Angelsj
                  Daycare.com Member
                  • Aug 2012
                  • 1323

                  #9
                  Minnesota has a conscientious exception as well. You can just have them sign that section and it is no one's business from there. Then they can catch up as they see fit.

                  Comment

                  • Blackcat31
                    • Oct 2010
                    • 36124

                    #10
                    Originally posted by Angelsj
                    Minnesota has a conscientious exception as well. You can just have them sign that section and it is no one's business from there. Then they can catch up as they see fit.
                    Yes, I have a couple parents that do that as well but according to my licensor, the only way they can use that rule is if they don't get ANY immunizations or are "selective" about which ones.

                    If they choose to be selective, they have to attach a statement from their physician stating the medical reasons why and that they have discussed this with the family.

                    I didn't recommend this route to OP because the family in question HAS had some vaccinations series started already....

                    Comment

                    • Angelsj
                      Daycare.com Member
                      • Aug 2012
                      • 1323

                      #11
                      Originally posted by Blackcat31
                      Yes, I have a couple parents that do that as well but according to my licensor, the only way they can use that rule is if they don't get ANY immunizations or are "selective" about which ones.

                      If they choose to be selective, they have to attach a statement from their physician stating the medical reasons why and that they have discussed this with the family.

                      I didn't recommend this route to OP because the family in question HAS had some vaccinations series started already....
                      That is a licensor issue, not a law, though.

                      Legally, in MN, you can decline any or all, and you do NOT need a medical provider's permission to do so. This is an issue I have looked into deeply, as I selectively immunize, and I take kids from people who do not, or selectively immunize their children as well.

                      As the OP, I don't necessarily think they should handle it this way, either. It kind of sounds like lazy parenting, more than an intelligent decision about when and what with which to immunize their child. It just bugs me when someone says "you HAVE to" when it comes to immunizations. No, I actually don't.

                      Comment

                      • Blackcat31
                        • Oct 2010
                        • 36124

                        #12
                        Originally posted by Angelsj
                        That is a licensor issue, not a law, though.

                        Legally, in MN, you can decline any or all, and you do NOT need a medical provider's permission to do so. This is an issue I have looked into deeply, as I selectively immunize, and I take kids from people who do not, or selectively immunize their children as well.

                        As the OP, I don't necessarily think they should handle it this way, either. It kind of sounds like lazy parenting, more than an intelligent decision about when and what with which to immunize their child. It just bugs me when someone says "you HAVE to" when it comes to immunizations. No, I actually don't.
                        Hmm, interesting. I called my licensor yesterday and asked and the reply she gave me was what the state (DHS) told her.

                        My licensor is fairly new so anything we ask, she e-mails/calls the state and asks them. She told me she didn't have a "for sure" answer for me but would call me back after she talked to DHS.

                        When she called me back, that is what she told me. :confused:

                        Boy, I sure hope we (MN) aren't becoming like some other states and simply open to interpretation for every rule we have. ::

                        Comment

                        • Angelsj
                          Daycare.com Member
                          • Aug 2012
                          • 1323

                          #13
                          Originally posted by Blackcat31
                          Hmm, interesting. I called my licensor yesterday and asked and the reply she gave me was what the state (DHS) told her.

                          My licensor is fairly new so anything we ask, she e-mails/calls the state and asks them. She told me she didn't have a "for sure" answer for me but would call me back after she talked to DHS.

                          When she called me back, that is what she told me. :confused:

                          Boy, I sure hope we (MN) aren't becoming like some other states and simply open to interpretation for every rule we have. ::
                          Oh, I know, it can be insane.

                          And I have to admit, my info is a year or so old, as the last time I fought the battle was when I wanted one of my kids to attend some Spanish classes at the local public school. However, that info came from my lawyer, so I assume they know?? I hope anyway.
                          Funny part, though, the school wouldn't take my word for it, but let the lawyer send a letter? Oh, baby. ::

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