When you adopt a child, it is important that you work with a pediatrician, like any other parent, to schedule your child for their appointments and vaccinations. Though vaccination schedules may vary, as a parent by adoption, your social worker and/or adoption agency may remind you to do what is in the best interest of the child. As a reminder, diseases like measles, smallpox, and whooping cough were sometimes fatal to children or left a lasting impact on those that survived, prior to vaccinations. Most immunization schedules as created by doctors in your state have been put into place to prevent your child from suffering from these illnesses.
What are the Vaccination Laws in Wisconsin?
All schools, childcare facilities, and other public health agencies have vaccination requirements. There are many vaccines that are required by law for a child to be admitted to these facilities, play some sports, and even attend summer camps. In the past, a parent could share that a child already had chickenpox and avoid that vaccine, but in order to skip that, you must have a medically recorded document that shares this is true. If a parent is refusing to vaccinate their child, they would still not be able to attend many of these places. However, if allowed, they may be able to fill out a personal conviction or religious waiver, but that doesn’t guarantee admittance to all places. COVID-19 changed how many private institutions dictate vaccinations because of the fear of a global outbreak again.
What Vaccines are not required?
Though doctors recommend them, seasonal vaccines like the Flu shot or COVID-19 vaccines are not typically required. Note that some private institutions could require them, but more often than not, these are optional.
I’m a Foster Parent. Do I still have to Vaccinate my Foster Child?
Make sure to talk to your social worker before accepting a foster placement if you have convictions against vaccinations. As this is not a permanent placement, many legalities may be non-negotiable for you and you may need to take foster children for vaccinations on their regular schedule whether you agree with that or not since they are only temporarily in your custody in many situations.
What happens if I don’t vaccinate my child?
Make sure to check with the institution you are attempting to send your child to if you are planning to send them to childcare or schools in your area. Also, make sure to do your research. There has been a rise in many states, including Wisconsin, of diseases in children that are preventable by vaccines. You should also review the waiver forms to ensure that you meet the criteria.
Where do I learn more about Vaccinations in Wisconsin?
If you live in Milwaukee, you will want to read more here about vaccine requirements as they are required by law and could exclude your child from child care or school. You can find out more about the immunization law and clarifications here.
You can find the CDC’s vaccination schedule here.
Overall, you should make sure to educate yourself about required vaccinations, and what is necessary for your child and if you are choosing not to do so, discover what forms are relevant and available to you in your area.