Exemptions & Mandates
CDC Immunization Schedules – These are the RECOMMENDED shots for children, teens, and adults. The CDC only recommends. It is up to each individual state to decide which will be “required” for school attendance and what exemptions are allowed.
A very small percentage of Pennsylvania parents are aware that vaccinations are not required for admission to public or private k-12 schools in the state. PA-CHD is here to show parents the fine print.
PA State Code as it pertains to immunization exemptions for the following populations:
- Children K-12 – Students in K-12 can exercise their right to vaccine exemptions based on medical, religious, or strong moral/ethical beliefs. Private schools that receive no state funding may not accept non-medical exemptions.
- Children in Pre-school Care – Children in daycare or preschool are not guaranteed exemptions. You need to research the policies of individual facilities.
- Higher Education – College students are protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and may express a religious objection to a school’s vaccination policy.
Your religious/philosophical exemption letter is all you need to opt out of the schedule for school! If you receive a green card from your school district or any form requiring more than the following, do not use it! Let them know that your exemption letter fulfills the PA requirements, and no additional information is needed.
Exemption Form. PA School Exemption Form
I am the parent of _____________________________________.
I object to the following medical procedures as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for my child on religious grounds or on the basis of strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief:
_______ immunizations
_______ medical examinations
_______ dental examinations
Signed,
________________________________________ Date ___________
- 23.84. Exemption from immunization.
(a) Medical exemption. Children need not be immunized if a physician or the physician’s designee provides a written statement that immunization may be detrimental to the health of the child. When the physician determines that immunization is no longer detrimental to the health of the child, the child shall be immunized according to this subchapter.
(b) Religious exemption. Children need not be immunized if the parent, guardian or emancipated child objects in writing to the immunization on religious grounds or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction similar to a religious belief.
- 23.45. Objections to examination on religious grounds.
(a) School children or school employes [sic] may be excused from regular or special medical or dental examinations on presentation of written evidence to the school administrator that the examinations are contrary to the religious beliefs of the parent or guardian of the child or of the employe [sic].
(b) Exemption from medical or dental examinations will not be granted if the Department of Health finds that facts exist under which the exemption constitutes a present substantial menace to the health of other persons exposed to contact with the unexamined person.
PA State Code regarding exclusion of susceptible person during an outbreak of listed communicable diseases.
Philadelphia School District Mask Exemption Form (updated for use without a physician’s signature).
A Cardiologist’s Medical Exemption Letter for the Covid-19 shots.
Children’s Health Defense Legal Justice Resources – Children’s Health Defense’s extensive legal resources raise awareness of our legally protected rights. When health freedom is under attack, our goal is to encourage, engage and empower to preserve fundamental and human rights.
