{"id":355841,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/vaccine-exemption-laws-by-state.html"},"modified":"2026-08-31T08:41:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-31T13:41:00","slug":"vaccine-exemption-laws-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/vaccine-exemption-laws-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"School Vaccine Exemption Laws: State Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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School Vaccine Exemption Laws: State Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

All 50 states and the District of Columbia require children to receive specific immunizations before enrolling in school or daycare. However, every state also permits medical exemptions for children with qualifying health conditions. While medical exemptions are universally accepted, nonmedical exemptions vary widely across states.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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Vaccination is an important public health measure. Through vaccination, we are protected from certain diseases. The federal government, via the CDC, decides which vaccines can guard against communicable diseases. State governments set different school vaccine laws.<\/p>\n

Immunization requirements vary from state to state. Each\u00a0state requires children to\u00a0be vaccinated for certain diseases<\/a>\u00a0before entering school or daycare. This includes children who attend public schools or state-licensed child care centers, family day care homes, and private schools.<\/p>\n

In many states, immunization laws or mandates require children aged four or older who are entering school or daycare need immunization against:<\/p>\n