Need help writing letter for religious exemption for flu vax

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amother

OP ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:31 pm

Can anyone help me with a short text, less than a paragraph, for a letter explaining why I have religious reasons not to give the flu vaccine?
My reasons are more scientific than religious, but I have to include something about religion.
(It won't really fly to say my religion tells me to take care of my body and I don't believe that giving the flu vaccine is taking care of our body).
Thanks!!

amother

Moccasin ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:34 pm

Dear [Recipient's Name],

I am writing to respectfully inform you that I am unable to receive the flu vaccine due to religious reasons. While my decision is rooted in personal conviction, it is influenced by my understanding of the body and health, which aligns with my faith's teachings on bodily integrity and the cautious use of medical interventions. I have prayerfully considered this matter and believe this decision is in accordance with my spiritual beliefs. Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

patzer

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:34 pm

What religion do you belong to that doesn't allow flu vaccines?

amother

↑ Moccasin ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:34 pm

From chatgpt.

amother

↑ Moccasin

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:35 pm

If you be more specific might be better

amother

Carnation ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:35 pm

I'm wondering if the doctor would give you a letter stating you got the flu and don't need the flu vaccine anymore. Would that work? But you'll need to be feeling unwell for that...

NotInNJMommy ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:35 pm

I don’t think there’s a halachic basis for not getting a flu vaccine.

What’s the context? (Work, school etc)

Last edited by NotInNJMommy on Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:37 pm; edited 1 time in total

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:36 pm

I don't think you can opt out of just 1

amother

DarkMagenta

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:37 pm

Nuh uh. I object to people using religion as an excuse when the religion totally allows it. Not terribly honest of you, is it? How does that jive with your so-called religiosity?

amother

Cornsilk ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:37 pm

NotInNJMommy wrote:

I don’t think there’s a halachic basis for refusing vaccines in general. Is it in regards to a specific vaccine or all vaccines? What’s the context? (Work, school etc)

issur to choivel batzmo?

cnc

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:38 pm

ap wrote:

I don't think you can opt out of just 1

This- in most states....

amother

↑ Cornsilk

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:38 pm

amother DarkMagenta wrote:

Nuh uh. I object to people using religion as an excuse when the religion totally allows it. Not terribly honest of you, is it? How does that jive with your so-called religiosity?

Many rabbanim are against it

amother

Amaryllis ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:40 pm

amother OP wrote:

Are you the anonymous poster from yesterday on Facebook?
Leaving my opinion on vaccines and those who don’t vaccinate out of the discussion, I fail to see how that would align if you are looking in the religious schools where the Rabbis of every shul and school promote vaccination. If you went to a school witha predominantly different religion, maybe you can say that you follow a different belief system and religion, but how would that be consistent with the religious values of the school. If you are a different haskafa, this is the least of all reasons to find a different school. If you have a medical or scientific reason you don’t want to vaccinate, then that is not a religious reason and be upfront.

amother

↑ Amaryllis

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:42 pm

amother Cornsilk wrote:

Many rabbanim are against it

Than ask a shaila -to the same rav you ask everything else, and get a psak.

She outright said that it is not really a religious issue.

amother

Orchid ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:43 pm

My frum school accepted the religious exemption for the flu vaccine. They don’t care it’s the government forcing them to show the records. And the exemptions are fine for the government too, so why do we care?

amother

Cinnamon

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:43 pm

If you ask for a religious exemption, and the religion you tell them you belong to is Judaism, you’re lying. Even worse, you’re creating a huge chillul Hashem.
There is nothing in Torah Judaism that forbids vaccination.
As for the chillul Hashem, there have been numerous times in history when death, illness and plagues were blamed on the Jews. It was always a pack of lies. In the recent past there was a measles outbreak that actually did originate in Israel and a lot of cases were in heavily Jewish neighborhoods.
I needed treatment at a medical facility. As I and every other patient entered we were asked if we had recently been to israel.
I’m still horrified. They had every right to ask. We have no right to make them have to ask.
If you don’t want to be vaccinated get yourself an exemption. Keep our religion out of it. Care about your fellow Jews. Care about sanctifying Hashem’s name.

amother

IndianRed

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:44 pm

I’m not sure why everyone’s jumping on ops back
I am extremely pro vax
My kids are all completely up to date I don’t believe ins killing them or conspiracy theories about them
At the same time I really don’t think the flu shot is necessary for children
I give it because the preschool requires it but I really don’t like that I have to
I think there can be a nuanced approach to vaccines

amother

↑ Orchid ↓

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:44 pm

ap wrote:

I don't think you can opt out of just 1

You can if it’s the flu vaccine. It’s not in the same category as other vaccines.

↑ NotInNJMommy

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:44 pm

What’s the context? What kind of accommodation are you looking for? What does it mean for your situation to not be vaccinated?

bigsis144

Thu, Jan 02 2025, 6:45 pm

amother IndianRed wrote:

It’s just not dictated by Judaism as a religion

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