Topic: Can you tell me about medical vaccinations and The Church?

Date originally posted: March 11, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Ruffo

Question: Do I have the support of the Catholic church to declare a 'religious exemption' from vaccinations/immunizations for my children, and if so, on what 'grounds'?  Most schools require children to be vaccinated prior to admission, however, North Carolina allows parents to declare 'medical' and 'religious' exemptions (some other states allow for a 'philosophical' exemption as well, but not NC).

Answer: 

Dear Lisa, 

No.  You do not have the support of the Catholic Church to declare a “religious exemption” from vaccinations/immunizations for your children.  We as a Church, Lisa, operate many schools the world over at various levels of education.  To my knowledge, and from my personal experience with Catholic schools, we support appropriate vaccinations and immunizations for the children in our care.  We believe that such measures are for the overall benefit of the child. 

Father John