What Are Vaccine Exemptions?
Vaccine exemptions give permission for an individual to avoid required immunizations without penalty. Vaccine exemptions are allowed in the US according to individual state guidelines.
What are the requirements for children?
In the US, individual states have regulations that outline the vaccine requirements to prevent the spread of diseases for state childcare or school-age children. These laws outline which vaccines are required for admission into public, private, religious, or other types of schools and in some states, homeschooling is also included.
Exemptions, or special reasons to not comply with these requirements, may be given for required state childcare and school (K-12) immunization requirements.
What are requirements for adults?
Adults may have required immunizations for employment (particularly in healthcare), to attend a college or university, or for international travel.
What reasons are allowed to be exempted from these requirements?
Reasons may include medical, religious, and personal belief exemptions, or a combination of these reasons. Medical reason can include an allergy to a vaccine component, a previous adverse reaction to a vaccine, or an underlying health condition (e.g., immunosuppression, organ transplant). Not all states or organizations allow religious or personal belief exemptions.
How do I get an exemption?
Vaccine requirements are established to prevent individuals in the community from vaccine preventable diseases. However, there are valid medical reasons to exempt individuals from this policy. To get a medical exemption, you will need to have your doctor sign a form required by your specific state of residence, employer, or another requesting group. Many states require that this form is completed each year. For personal exemptions you will need to write a letter to your health officials explaining your viewpoint to refuse vaccination. For religious exemptions you will need to complete a form and, in some cases, provide evidence that you belong to the religious group.
Many states require that the exemption form is completed each year.
Summary
Requirements for vaccination are instituted to provide an effective means to protect individuals and others in the community from preventable diseases. Higher rates of vaccination provide lower rates of disease and healthier communities. Exemptions from these requirements must be made in the best interest of the individual and the community to prevent the spread of serious diseases.