Do you ask if the child is vaccinated - MB's weigh in!

[Anonymous]

I went on an interview this morning. I work with infants and many classes are not allowing unvaccinated babies. I asked the parents if they vaccinate their child. Prior to this I explained it's a personal question and they do not have to answer. The dad shakes his head and tells me " wow that's a personal question to ask someone". Then he turns around and asks my view point. I followed up with I'm sorry if I offended them but given that in our area they are turning away unvaccinated babies, it's important I ask. I would like to work with a family who can partake in striae kinds of activities.

Now I feel I have crossed the line and offended them. Is it that big of a deal?

[Anonymous]

I don't think its a personal question at all. Your not asking if the child has HIV. If they aren't going to vaccinate they need to own it. I would ask with authority.

[Anonymous]

It never occurred to be to ask if the newborn was going to be vaccinated. Then again, I have always worked for sane parents. I volunteer (before I meet the infant) that I have had the pertussis booster and have measles immunity.

[Anonymous]

I prefer to work with unvaccinated children, I don't want to get involved with a family with a great child then ends up developing autism.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer to work with unvaccinated children, I don't want to get involved with a family with a great child then ends up developing autism.

Troll.

As a MB I'd probably be surprised that you asked, but I would answer, especially after you explained the reason for your question. I would not be offended.

[Anonymous]

This is ridiculous.

But I'm a parent who thinks non-vaxxers are ridiculous.

I expect our nanny to be current with vaccinations. If a nanny asked this I would expect it's because she had a bad experiences w/ non-vaxxers. If she believes vaccinations cause autism she is not a fit for employment with us.

[Anonymous]

I don't believe this is a real post.

Anti-vaxxers LOVE to talk about why they don't vaccinate. They're not at all shy about it.

They are also all crazy science deniers, which is why I would never work for one.

[Anonymous]

I would answer and not think it's weird that you asked about vaccines, but I would think it's weird that you want to have so much say in which activities I sign my child up for. Of course I'd ask for the nanny's input and preferences once you're hired, but to have a strong opinion as a condition of your interest in the job - just a bit unusual, I think.

[Anonymous]

OP here. To the one pp - This is indeed a real post.

To be other pps. I'm definitely not dictating what classes or activities the child goes to. I was asked what activities I would do with an infant. I gave ideas of the day ( tummy time, singing, walks, etc.) but also included that I generally have taken children to the local library classes or infant classes, but it's up to them what classes they choose to participate in. MB then said she would love the nanny to take her son to all the local classes.

I then asked the vaccination thing. I live in an area outside of dc where the whopping cough has been all over ands my parents are anti-vaxers. Due the outbreak, most classes in my area will not take vaccinated children. I fully vaccinated and have strong views. While I'm pro-vax, I can't dictate how someone chooses to raise their children.

Thanks for all the comments. I think I caught them off guard more than anything else. It's glad to know I can ask and most won't become offended. I generally ask if the parents do not bring it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. To the one pp - This is indeed a real post.

To be other pps. I'm definitely not dictating what classes or activities the child goes to. I was asked what activities I would do with an infant. I gave ideas of the day ( tummy time, singing, walks, etc.) but also included that I generally have taken children to the local library classes or infant classes, but it's up to them what classes they choose to participate in. MB then said she would love the nanny to take her son to all the local classes.

I then asked the vaccination thing. I live in an area outside of dc where the whopping cough has been all over ands my parents are anti-vaxers. Due the outbreak, most classes in my area will not take vaccinated children. I fully vaccinated and have strong views. While I'm pro-vax, I can't dictate how someone chooses to raise their children.

Thanks for all the comments. I think I caught them off guard more than anything else. It's glad to know I can ask and most won't become offended. I generally ask if the parents do not bring it up.

Sorry for the typos. On iphone. I live in California ( hippie central!) and most classes in my area will not take an unvaccinated child.

[Anonymous]

Wow. The father you mentioned sounds like a complete bonehead, you didn't ask him a personal question considering that you work in childcare and could possibly be caring for his child after all.

Now if you just randomly asked the lady in front of you in the supermarket the same thing, I could kinda see her getting a bit offended, but c'mon...This father sounds just weird.

I hope they didn't offer you the job and if they did, I hope you didn't accept it.

[Anonymous]

Nanny here.

When I was interviewing about 2 1/2 years ago I started including this question in my interviews. I'm in California and we have a lot of anti vaccination people here. I personally believe in vaccinations strongly and don't feel comfortable taking a babies and toddlers who have had no vaccinations out and about all over so I think this is one of those things that I need to agree with my NF about.

[Anonymous]

Please give one actual non school or camp related activity that requires children be vaccinated. I have never heard of a library story time or baby music or gym class inquiring on vaccination status and I am as pro vax as they come. Babies can't even get MMR until they're 12 months old....

[Anonymous]

Outside of real child care or gymnastics, not once as a parent have I ever been asked if my child was vaccinated. In all likelihood, you probably are not up to date as most adults. You're looking to create problems that do not exist. If you asked me that I'd cordially finish the interview but you'd never hear from me again.

[Anonymous]

MB here - I wouldn't be offended by the question, but then again we do vaccinate and I also required that the nanny (and my parents) got Pertussis boosters when we had infants. If you do feel strongly about the issue, then I think you have a good question for helping you to match with families since the only ones who are likely to be offended are those who don't vaccinate.