Need Help with Forms for K

Yes to the TB. If you live in San Diego, you should. You DO NOT KNOW if you have been exposed to it. TB is a horrible disease and not one that you either want to get or expose others too. I want my children's teachers and health people to take it, so why wouldn't you. Why would you want to take the chance that someone you know could expose others to that threat?

Not going to the doctor because you don't want a hard time is no excuse. Are you a mom or not? You decided to make those decisions. You need to be an adult. If he pushes you then you tell them he has to pay for them since he feels the need to give you the hard time. He won't. So, just be the adult. Being one comes with confronting and standing up for what you believe in.

I would suggest one vaccination though. It is the Hepatitis one. Mexico is another reason to get it. This is a BIG disease and not one that anyone should get. This is a disease that is growing all over the world. The whole family should receive this.

I am not giving my daughter all her vaccinations either but if my dr started to give me a hard time about them I would change my dr they work for you remember.

Dear A.:

I have no opinion on the health or oral assessments. I'll let someone else cover that.

The TB test is important. The cure for tuberculosis is antibiotics...it has nothing to do with vaccines. My mom, my sister and I ALL taught for LBUSD (combined experience over 30 YEARS) and there were instances of TB there! There's a reason they're pushing you to do it. It is a very transient school district and you run a high risk if your child isn't prepared. The TB test simply determines whether your child has been infected. If your child has been and it is not detected in time, irreversible damage can occur to her lungs...even death. If the test is clear (like most are) then you just redo it as requested (every year or every other year...I forget) to be sure your child remains healthy. It's not a big deal to do (but there could be big consequences if you don't).

About vaccinations, I feel the same way you do. My kids are no longer vaccinated but we homeschool. You need to make that decision for your child but, if I were you, I would take into consideration that you're not in Wyoming or something, you're in LONG BEACH...a port city, a city full of people coming and going and constant change. Many students are not vaccinated and have just come from other countries. Since there is no quarantine mandated, we saw a lot of outbreaks of chicken pox, mumps, etc. One of our adult coworkers DIED because of an outbreak of chicken pox! If I were putting my children in a public school in Long Beach, I'd vaccinate them, pure and simple.

Best wishes,

M.

TB test - no big deal. Not painful or invasive. Easy procedure. No harm associated with it. I would do it (and we signed the vaccination waiver as well)
Oral health - has your daughter been to a dentist recently for a regular check up? If so, the dentist can sign the oral health form based on that recent visit. If not, she should probably go anyway for a check up and do the assessment at the same time.
Health exam - is actually required for entry to FIRST grade. They include the paperwork in your K packet but if you look at it, it says right on there 1st grade. So you need to get it done, but not in any hurry.
I think that answers everything you asked. I just enrolled my second one in K and just did all this myself.

Other moms - I don't believe she asked for advice on whether or not to vaccinate. That is a personal choice. Answer the questions, don't judge. That is not what this site is for! Thank you! :-) J

Hello A., well the answer to your question is YES it is important for you child to have the vaccine because for example say he doesn't and there is an unknown child that is a carrier of tb and didn't know either? That child isn't going to get sick because he or she is the carrier. Your child well be the one facing the conquences. We do what we have to do regardless to protect our child to make sure they are healthly and strong. It is a requirement for a child to have a physical exam for denist also. Its not what you think if your children teeth is fine its the dentist job to report it. So my advice is get that vaccine to your child and have the dentist check because there is nothing you can do that won't go around the situtation. My kids love the dentist. My kids has the vaccines so they won't be harm by any diseases. if you have concerns for medical and dental contact your provider they should be able too.

No I would not have my kids do the TB test. It's an injection.

Have you lived with homeless people? Worked with homeless people? Been exposed to TB in any way?

Know that if you want to volunteer or work in the classroom, you have to have one. I had the injection (and we VERY selective about vaccines) in 2006 and my Left Arm still does not feel right. There is a faint tingly sensation still! I called my doctors office where I got the shot and they said at first "you are the first person who has ever complained about this" and on another call the person who answered the phone said "oh, my friend said the same thing." I never made an official report, so I have to wonder how common this is.

So at the time in a panic I went online searching for information. That's when I found out there indeed was an alternative to the shot. Now, there is new, more accurate blood test that the CDC is saying is better. QUANTIFERON TB GOLD TEST

http://www.cdc.gov/TB/pubs/tbfactsheets/qft.htm

http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mdch/QFT_193897_7.pdf

http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/briefs/publichealt...

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_...

Unfortunately, it costs more. And you might have to have to mail for it and find a blood technician to help you.

So if you have to I would do the Quantiferon TB Gold test. Thankfully that option exists.

As far as the Oral assessment, isn't there a waiver for that too? I thought there was. I could be wrong. Call around town and find out how much pediatric dentists charge. I would definitely take them in for exams because they periodically clean the teeth, check for trouble spots and it's generally a good thing. My children started going around age 3. Ask your mommy friends which dentists they like. Take a tour of the place by yourself to see if you like it.

They will probably need a health exam before entering school. I don't know how you can get around that. Are there any vax friendly peds in your area? Go to mothering.com/discussion board and visit the Find Your Tribe and ask the moms in your area there. There is also an active vax board there that can help you.

A.,

Although I personally don't agree with your decision about the vaccines, putting my opinion aside.

Always remember that you are the parent and the Dr. has to respect your decision as the parent. Be straight and forward about the vaccines but I would recommend the TB test as without that they will not accept your child in school.

The health exam is to make sure the child is phsyical ok to start school and that there are no situations present that need to be dealt with that are not apparent to the naked eye.

The dental exam is also the samething but I see your point if you don't have ins. It'll be a bit costly and remember the naked eye doesn't see al things.

Good luck

CB

I just had a TB test done at a clinic for $20 and it was no problem. The school had me do it so I can volunteer at school and go on field trips. All the parents have to do this. They had me fill out a questionnaire, but no questions about vaccines. You should really do it.

Just a few days ago there was a news report of an entire school having to have TB tests because of exposure. This is not something that you want to mess around with, it is on the rise as are a whole host of other "third world" infections and diseases. You can contact your local dental schools and ask about getting dental checks for free. Dental health is also very important as it can lead to life threatening health issues if the teeth are not taken care of. All of my kids are vaccinated, as was I and we have had no problems. Were you vaccinated as a child? Were there problems from that? You have to make sure that your reasons for not doing it are pure and not based on what everyone else is or is not doing.

Hi,
I have 3 kids one is a senior graduating from high school and the youngest is in Kindergarten all 3 have always been in public school and noe have had any immunizations. You sign the waiver and you are fine. They do have annual physicals & dental assesments. I went through a lot of doctors because they didn't agree with my beliefs it is really important you find a Dr. who will support your choice. I would tell the school you can't afford the dental assesment and they should be able to refer you to a low or no cost clinic. You can go to the urgent care for a physical usually costs about 45.00. As for the TB test I think it is ok I have had it done and so have my kids a lot of people recommended x-ray instead but its not that great to expose them to radiation either thats a choice you will need to make. My Dr. told me I didn't have to have it done if I did't want to it is covered by the waiver so you might ask about that. Keep up on your research and why & chose not to immunize because you will always have those who disagree but it is your choice. I don't regret my choice even though I know a lot of people who disagree with me. Best of luck it will be OK.

I don't think you have to have the dental exam. But you better get your kids shots up to date. Because most schools will note let them in unless their shot are up to date. This is true of Kindergarden, grade school, or Junior H. & right on up.

im think its good to get them a physical before starting school :). i didnt know that they ask about oral health... that seems odd lol... a tb test would be good just because its such a serious illness. vaccine wise thats your choice not to do it (my daughter gets them and is actually the most vaccinatd kid in her drs office lol) if your childs dr cant respect your choice then get a different dr for them. good luck!

Good for you for not vaccinating, especially since it does not convey immunization. I have a great book for you to read that is written by a medical doctor and uses information provided by the CDC, the NHA and the WHO. Let me know if you're interested, but since this is NOT the reason of your post... I move one. Like the other mothers have said.. have the x-ray test done. If she comes positive for the prick test they will do the x-ray test anyways. I tested positive with the prick test and had to have the chest x-ray. Once you test positive you ALWAYS test positive. I am not contagious or anything like that, but the dead cells don't go away... or at least that is what i was told about 8 years ago. I haven't been x-rayed since... no need.
Our teeth health has been connected to our overall health. So, yes, it's important to get that one done. Not only for the school, but for your lil one. INsurance doesn't pay much anyways... I quit carrying dental insurance because I got tired of them paying $1.50 and sticking me with the premiums AND the rest of the bill. As long as you continue to take good care of the teeth then there really is no need for the insurance, but make sure you put away enough money to cover any emergencies that might arise.
Good luck! (and tell those doctors who give you a hard time to sit on a thumbtack and spin!)

Hi A., Just to start, my son has autism. I would highly recommend that the TB test be done. There are so many people in LA that are from other countries that may be contagious and it's no big deal. Can't you get it free at the county health clinic? Get the individual vacines, and ask for the MD to do a slow schedule, also, the individual doses don't have the high degree of preservatives (mercury based) that they used to. Your kids would be showing signs of autism by now, is that your concern? Don't ever do the vacines if they are sick or have had a reaction. You wouldn't do that anyway. Find a MD that will work with you, instead of giving you a bad time. good luck D.
ps. take your kids to the dentist and hygienist and have their teeth checked and cleaned, I used to be a RDH.
It's money well spent for their health.

There are places to get affordable dental insurance. My brother just got some. I think he pays $15 each month, and it covers check-ups, cleanings, and a small co-pay for fillings. Family plans are available for not much more.
Also, if there is an accident at school and your daughter chips a tooth, or worse, it gets knocked out, the insurance will take care of that too. (My daughter tripped at school, hit her face against a pole and chipped her tooth -- we were able to find the piece and take it to the dentist and our co-pay was only $20).

About the TB, my husband's grandmother was an immigrant, and had TB. She was regularly contagious, and because I worked with children, I had to be careful around her. If she was contagious, I could not visit her at all. TB is airborne, so being in the same room and coughing has now exposed everyone in the room. Once you have it, it is life long, and you eventually die from it.

Ask for a chest x-ray instead of the tb shot. TB is nothing you want to mess around with. People can carry it, infect others and not realize it.
When we got the form for the oral assesment, the was a spot to sign to say you don't want it done. However, tooth infections from untreated cavities can cause great illness in children and possibly effect permanent teeth. Ask the school about low cost or free dental clinics.

I would do the tb test should to be safe or if they allow hen do the chest x-ray. I would personally do the dental screening. Is there a clinic that you can go to. We have here in North SD the Vista community Clinic and they do dental screenings for kids. You still have to pay but it is such a low cost. or if you qualify you may get it free. I would look ino clinics in your area. I know you say there teeths are fine but it doesn't hurt to get them looked at especially if its a clinic run by your city. Good luck.

Hi! My daughter is in K this year. We do not vaccinate and we have good reason not to. It made my son very ill. Any one that says you have to have them is not well informed or educated on the matter. We did not have to have the TB test. I am not sure about that one, but my friend did do the x-ray in lieu of the prick test. As far as a pediatrician, just stand your ground. It was a doctor that talked me into giving my son shots and my son paid the price. They have nothing to lose if something happens to your child as a result. They are not liable. I could not get out of the physical. She had to have her physical or they would not let her attend. It is very expensive. Do a good search and see if you can find a place that will not cost much. Maybe a government clinic or health department. There has to be something.

In most instances, the nurse will do a quick check up. They will get height, weight, and check the back for problems. They will do a quick mouth/teeth check up, eye exam, etc. If they find something that they think you should check out, they will give you information on who you can see and will ask for paperwork back. Otherwise, I would just wait and see what they say.

J.

If they insist on the oral exam, let them know about your insurance situation and they should provide a list of providers that can assist you at a minimal or no cost exam. I had the same situation and they were able to get me to a provider that offers free services based on the no-insurance status. In regards to the vaccines - these are your absolute right the only problem is that in public schools they will insist because of the liability issues.

Good luck!

Like some of the others have said, you can get a chest xray done instead of the TB test. TB is a very dangerous thing. It is not something that you would know someone has been exposed to without the test or chest xray done. Have you considered homeschooling your kids instead of sending them to public school? That way, you are in control over what they learn, etc. (This is just an idea.) Also, please take care of their dental health. You can't know that their teeth are "fine" without a dental exam because often you don't know of any problem until someone complains of pain and then it is too late because a problem is already there.

The very best of luck in whatever you decide. Something to think about is that you are the mom and you have to decide ultimately what you believe is in the best interest of your kids after doing the research on various topics.

Take care,
J.

Hello,
TB test will not hurt your kid, trust me. But you should really vaccinate your kids. They are healthy now, but at school kids get sick a lot and your baby will be at serious risk!
The oral health is very important! It could hurt not only babies mouth but all the digestive system, let the doctors look at it! Or if you really against it, look inside your babies mouth and if any concerns go to the doctor immediately.

First of all, find a doc who will respect your decision to not vaccinate. You can find a doc who are comfortable with. As far as I know, the dental exam is optional. Maybe things have changed since my son started K four years ago. I don't know abou the TB test but I'm glad you brought it up. My second son will be starting K in the next few years and he is unvaccinated so I will have some time to look into that. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Good luck!

I signed the waiver of vaccines for my daughter last year. She is now in 1st grade, public school, and I did not have to do anything else. No TB. Although, if it is a test, then it does not seem like she is getting anything put into her system. That I do not know much about.

The TB test is truly a requirement for the school districts, even as employees we have to have it done every 2-3 years to be able to continue employment. Urgentcare places do this. There is a cost and it varies from place to place, but I would just call around and get that taken care of. It's important. Many, many cases of TB are found each year. This is a very contagious disease and you can die from it without being treated. It's just a precaution on the school's end to show the health status of your child. My children have been going to the dentist since they were 3 so I am not sure about the oral health check up. I don't see how that is relevant to going to Kindergarten. Hope this helps.