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Changes to School and Child Care Immunization Exemptions

On May 10, 2011, Governor Gregoire signed a bill that requires a licensed health care provider to sign the Certificate of Exemption for a parent or guardian to exempt their child from school and child care immunization requirements. The signature verifies that the provider gave the parent or guardian information about the benefits and risks of immunization. A parent or guardian can also turn in a signed letter from a health care provider stating the same information.

The law took effect on July 22, 2011. It only applies to exemptions requested after this date. A health care provider doesn't need to sign the form for parents or guardians who demonstrate membership in a church or religious group that does not allow a health care provider to provide medical treatment to a child.

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Certificate of Exemption, effective July 22, 2011
• Provider and parent/guardian signature requirements vary depending on the type of exemption. Below are samples of which signature is required for each type of exemption:
  • Sample signature requirements for a temporary medical exemption
  • Sample signature requirements for a permanent medical exemption
  • Sample signature requirements for a standard religious exemption
  • Sample signature requirements for a religious exemption demonstrating membership in a church or religious body
  • Sample signature requirements for a personal/philosophical exemption
• New State Immunization Exemption Requirements Presentation (Adobe Presenter)
• Information for Health Care Providers
• Copy of Legislation
• Vaccine Requirements
• Immunization Regulations

Last Update: 08/25/2011 12:42 PM