Ask the Editor

I am currently pregnant and vegan. Is it required by law to have one's baby immunized? What are the alternatives for this situation and are there vegan-friendly immunizations? How does one keep the baby safe? Thank you for your time. - Renee

Dear Renee,

You can decline to have your baby immunized and the hospital or pediatrician cannot go against your wishes and vaccinate your baby without your consent. Hospital staff and doctors may put pressure on you to immunize your baby so be ready for that. Simply say, "We have decided not to immunize our baby at this time." And get out of the hospital with your baby intact. Be very clear with all staff that your baby is not to be given any injections without your fully informed consent. Since it is routine in some hospitals to give newborns an immunization you have to make it clear ahead of time that you do not want it.

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The law comes into play when you send your child to public and/or private school. Private schools can decline to accept your child if your child is not vaccinated. Public schools will accept an unimmunized child with the proper exemption form filled out. There are three types of exemptions: medical, religious, and philosophical/personal beliefs. You need to find out which exemptions are accepted in your state.

Medical Exemptions: A doctor writes a note saying your child is exempt from being vaccinated for medical reasons. This can be because your child is allergic to an ingredient in the vaccines.

Religious Exemptions: Some religions forbid vaccinations. You do not have to state what your religion is, only that your religion forbids vaccinations and therefore your child is unvaccinated.

Personal or Philosophical Exemption: This is the most liberal since all you have to do is state that you are opposed to giving your child vaccines for personal or philosophical reasons. Not all states accept this type of exemption.

For more information please visit these websites:
Vaccination Liberation Information
K.N.O.W. Vaccines
National Vaccine Information Center

To keep your baby safe you'll want to feed him a healthy plant-based diet, and boost his immune system as much as possible. You may also want to check out our list of recommended reading on this subject which will help allay any fears you may have about the health and safety of your unvaccinated child.

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