Frequently Asked Questions
Exemptions & Medical Freedom in PA
What exemptions are available for students in PA?
Students in K-12 can exercise their right to vaccine exemptions based on medical, religious, or strong moral/ethical beliefs. A small handful of private schools that receive no state funding do not accept non-medical exemptions, but most schools accept exemptions with no problem. See sample letters here.
What exemptions are available for college students in PA?
The PA School Code only applies to students in grades K-12. College students are protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and may express a religious objection to a school’s vaccination policy. Typically, a well-written letter from the student or an attorney, outlining the student’s religious objection, submitted to the school administration is sufficient to enable the student to attend any PA college without having to be vaccinated. The letter should be brief: extraneous information about vaccine risk is not appropriate. We have never heard of a PA school that will not accept medical exemptions. These must be signed by an MD or DO.
How can I find a pediatrician who gives informed consent and supports all choices?
It is certainly troubling that most, if not all, pediatricians in PA are engaged in medical discrimination against families who delay or decline even one vaccine. Family practices may be less strict with these requirements. The best way to find a provider near you who respects parental rights to informed consent is through connecting with a local PCIC chapter group.
My employer says that I will get fired if I don’t take a vaccine. What can I do?
Please visit our Resources page for details on this topic.
Our Organization
Is PCIC a partisan group?
PCIC is not affiliated with a political party. We desire our members and leaders to foster positive relationships with all legislators in the Commonwealth, regardless of party.
Is this an anti-vaxxer group?
PCIC is neither for nor against vaccination. Some of the resources we provide focus on vaccine risks and safety concerns because there is a lack of this information in the public sphere.
How can I help?
We’d love to have you join us! After all, this work is only possible because of the passionate members, skilled volunteers, and generous donors. Consider joining a local chapter, volunteering on a team, or making a donation!
Who We Are
We are families, employees, health care practitioners, and students all across the state who share in the grassroots work of building an informed community, educating leaders and legislators, and taking consistent, necessary action to shine a light on the critical need to protect bodily autonomy, informed consent, and medical freedom.
Resources
Get downloadable fact sheets, advocacy training, toolkits, template letters, and links to exemption laws in school and other facilities.
Action Alerts
See what time-sensitive legislative initiatives are happening in PA that need your voice and contributions today!
Bills We're Watching
Find out the current and proposed legislation we’re monitoring—ones that we either support or oppose in accordance with our mission.
Take Part in Legislative Advocacy
Advocacy on the state level is vital to the medical freedom movement. Whether it is learning about bills or discussing problems with legislators, advocates play the role of liaison between the people and elected legislators.
