Do kids really have to be vaccinated to get into school?

Vaccinations are a hot and contraversial topic. I have avoided it outside of private consultations until now in order to not offend. However, I have heard on the radio and from patients so many times in the last week that "children HAVE to be vaccinated to be allowed in school" that I have to speak up.

The message is only half right. If your children are not vaccinated and you have not filled out the appropriate paperwork, then it is correct. However, if you have decided that vaccinating your children is not in their best interest, and you fill out the appropriate form, they cannot be denied entry into public school.

Please hear me: I am not saying that you should not vaccinate your children. I am just making the point that if vaccinating your children is not in their best interest, then you shouldn't feel pressured to do so with the threat of being denied entry into school.

Weather or not to vaccinate is a deeply complex and personal decision. It should be made on a case to case basis, and with good information to support your choices. One good Canadian resource that I highly recommend is Katia Bailetti ND. She has done her homework and has a balanced viewpoint. She does phone consultations if you have questions and all of the forms are available on her website at www.drbailetti.com.