What Parents Should Know About Homeschool And Immunizations

As a homeschool parent, there are certain aspects of the process that you may not be aware of. For example, depending your state, you may have to notify the Department of Education only once per year of your child's homeschool enrollment or once per academic career. Another aspect of homeschooling and how it is different from public school deals with immunization and records. Here are a few things every parent should know about homeschool and child immunizations.

Social Group Requirements

One of the first things you need to know about your homeschool and your child immunizations is related to social groups. You may have your child involved in various social activities. These activities may each have different rules regarding the vaccination of your child in order for your child to participate. If this is the case, you will need to make sure the vaccinations are up to date. You will also have to find out about alternative options if you have chosen to opt out of a vaccination that the social group requires.

Immunization Record Keeping

You will find that when it comes to homeschooling and record keeping, you need to make sure your records are strictly kept. This is not just for your own purposes. You will find that, from time to time, you may be asked to produce the immunization records. If you opt out of the immunizations, the records can be even more vital. You will need to not only keep a copy of the state immunization schedule and your immunization record, you will also need to have copies of statements that relate to why you may have opted out of certain options. If the opt-out was due to religion or personal beliefs, you may need copies of statements that back these points up.

Religious Exemptions

You may have chosen to homeschool for religious or faith-based reasons. This same reasoning may play into your vaccination and immunization schedule. If you opt out of any immunizations for religious purposes, you will need to provide proof that you are an active member of the faith and in good standing. You may also need to provide a statement from your faith organizer to back up the reasoning for the opt-out of the immunization.

If you want to ensure that your child is up to date on immunizations, or if you need to confirm the child immunizations that have already been received, contact your pediatrician or health department. They can help answer your questions and schedule an appointment for your child to get immunizations they may be missing.

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