With the Wind with Dr. Paul - Show 170: Pediatric Perspectives: Parent’s Right to Refuse Vaccines with Theresa Wrangham

Understanding Your Rights as a Parent

When it comes to vaccines, many parents feel pressured by schools, doctors, and even legislation into believing they have no choice. But the truth is, in many states, parents have the right to decline vaccinations for their children. In this episode of With the Wind, Dr. Paul Thomas sits down with Theresa Wrangham, executive director of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC), to discuss the reality of vaccine mandates, the importance of informed consent, and how parents can navigate state laws to make the best decision for their families.

What Is the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)?​

Founded over 40 years ago, the NVIC was created by parents who witnessed vaccine injuries firsthand. The organization has since become a leading resource for parents seeking information on vaccine exemptions, school mandates, and state-specific laws. Theresa Wrangham shares the history of NVIC and how its mission has remained steadfast: to protect parental rights and medical freedom.

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Are Vaccines Truly Mandatory for School Attendance?

One of the biggest misconceptions among parents is that all childhood vaccines are required for school enrollment. In reality, vaccine mandates vary by state, and many states allow medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions.

"The childhood vaccine schedule is a recommendation by the CDC—not a requirement. It’s up to the states to determine which vaccines are mandatory."
— Theresa Wrangham

Theresa explains how schools often mislead parents by sending letters that make it seem like their child must be vaccinated or they won’t be allowed to attend. However, these letters frequently omit information about exemptions that parents are legally entitled to.

How to Navigate Vaccine Exemptions in Your State

For parents who wish to decline one or more vaccines, Theresa emphasizes the importance of understanding state laws. The NVIC website provides a state-by-state breakdown of available exemptions and how to apply for them.

Parents should:

• Ask questions at their pediatrician’s office.
• Check state health department websites for current exemption rules.
• Be aware of vaccine tracking registries and learn how to opt out.

What If You Live in a State with No Exemptions?

​While most states offer exemptions, a few--California, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia—only allow medical exemptions (which are nearly impossible to obtain).

For parents in these states, Theresa suggests:

• Exploring homeschooling or private school options (some private schools may not require vaccinations).
• Advocating for policy changes through grassroots efforts and legislative action.

The Growing Pressure on Doctors to Deny Medical Exemptions

​Dr. Paul and Theresa discuss how doctors face serious repercussions for issuing medical exemptions—even when justified. Physicians who provide valid exemptions risk losing their medical licenses or being publicly targeted.

"Medical exemptions are theoretically available, but in practice, doctors who issue them often face backlash. It’s putting immense pressure on physicians and forcing parents to seek other options."
— Dr. Paul Thomas (retired)

Links to Websites Discussed

• DPT Vaccine Roulette Documentary – Watch the groundbreaking documentary that exposed the dangers of DPT vaccines.
• HSLDA - Homeschooling Resources – Find homeschooling support and legal resources.
• NVIC Advocacy Portal – Learn about vaccine laws and exemptions in your state.
• VAX FACTS Book – Get Dr. Paul’s book on vaccine risks and benefits.
• Classroom Lesson Plans on Vaccines & Parental Rights » - Addresses vaccine-related curriculum in the classroom and how to find out what is being taught;
• School-Based Health Centers and Minor Consent to Vaccination  - Discusses vaccine clinics at school and minor consent;
• Vaccine Injury Compensation Information & Resources 
• State Vaccine Requirements & Exemption Information
• Employer Vaccine Mandates - Addresses exemptions provided by the Civil Rights Act and how to obtain an exemption.

The discussion concludes with a powerful reminder that parents—not doctors, schools, or the government—should have the final say when it comes to their child’s medical decisions.
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By educating themselves on their rights and seeking reliable information, parents can confidently make the best decisions for their children without fear or coercion.

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Show Notes:

With the Wind with Dr. Paul - Show 170 Pediatric Perspectives: Parent’s Right to Refuse Vaccines with Theresa Wrangham
Presenters:
Dr. Paul Thomas, Theresa Wrangham
Length:
Approximately 40 minutes


Web Resources Discussed

• DPT Vaccine Roulette - https://rumble.com/v57bzal-dpt-vaccine-roulette.html
• HSLDA - Making Homeschooling Possible - https://hslda.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq_G1BhCSARIsACc7NxoxqVCYYijVlH0hpJecazIu5a-Mih_7V-Y711bFTKh4ewBe8nJAFxcaAqd5EALw_wcB
• NVIC Advocacy - https://nvicadvocacy.org/members/

Key Points (with time stamps)
00:01:35 - Introduction of Theresa Wrangham

• Executive Director of the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)
• NVIC’s mission and advocacy for parents' rights regarding vaccines.

00:03:00 - The History of NVIC

• Founded in 1982 by Barbara Loe Fisher, Kathy Williams, and Jeff Schwartz after learning about vaccine injuries from DPT Vaccine Roulette.
• NVIC’s role in vaccine safety advocacy and exemptions.

00:06:38 - Understanding Parental Rights and Vaccine Exemptions

• Difference between vaccine recommendations and requirements.
• State laws govern vaccine mandates, not federal regulations.
• Many states allow medical, religious, and philosophical exemptions.

00:08:36 - Schools and Exemptions: What Parents Should Know

• Schools often send misleading letters about vaccine mandates.
• Importance of checking actual state laws before making vaccine decisions.

00:10:10 - Medical Exemptions Are Nearly Impossible to Obtain

• Doctors are afraid to grant medical exemptions due to professional repercussions.
• The California model and its effects on medical professionals.

00:12:03 - Tips for Parents on Navigating Vaccine Requirements

• Ask questions at your doctor’s office.
• Use NVIC’s website for state-specific exemption information.
• Be aware of vaccine tracking registries and how to opt out.

00:14:49 - What About States Without Exemptions?

• California, New York, Maine, and West Virginia have the strictest laws.
• Homeschooling and private school options as alternatives.

00:16:14 - The Role of NVIC Advocacy in Protecting Parental Rights

• NVIC provides resources for legislative advocacy at the state level.
• The growing push for medical freedom in the U.S.

Summary
Dr. Paul Thomas and Theresa Wrangham discuss the rights of parents when it comes to vaccine decisions for their children. While many schools and doctors imply that vaccines are mandatory, in most states, exemptions exist. Theresa shares insights into how parents can advocate for their rights, navigate school vaccine requirements, and access exemption information through the NVIC. The conversation also highlights how certain states are tightening vaccine mandates and what options parents have in such cases.


Conclusion
Parents need to be proactive and informed when it comes to their children’s healthcare. This episode provides essential insights into understanding vaccine mandates, advocating for parental rights, and making informed choices based on state laws. Visit NVIC’s website to learn more about state exemptions and vaccine laws.


Hashtags
#WithTheWind #DrPaulThomas #NVIC #VaccineExemptions #ParentingRights #InformedConsent #PediatricHealth #MedicalFreedom #HealthAdvocacy