Christian UC: Vaccines

Arkansas Immunization Requirements

Updated, November 1993

Authority: Arkansas Code Annotated & 6-18-702.

Responsibility: Arkansas places the responsibility for the enforcement of their school immunization program “equally with each school district. . . and the parent or guardian. . . and each of them shall be separately and individually liable for permitting any violation of this section.” ACA 6-18-702(b).

Generally: No child shall be admitted to a public or private school of Arkansas without immunization from 6 basis diseases. ACA 6-18-702(a). Any person found guilty of violating the provisions of the immunization requirements will be guilty of a misdemeanor. ACA 6-18-702(e).

Exemptions:

1) If a doctor or health authority deems a person to have a physical disability that contraindicates vaccination, a certificate to that effect can be issued, thus exempting the student from that particular shot. ACA 6-18-702(d).

2) If a sibling has had a serious adverse reaction to the pertussis vaccination, resulting in total permanent disability, it will not be required of the student.

3) If parents or legal guardian objects to vaccination on grounds that it conflicts with the religious tenants and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which they are members.

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION APPLICATION

Arkansas Statues Annotated 80-1550 states that a child can be exempted from immunizations "on the grounds that such immunization conflicts with the religious tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination of which said parent or guardian is an adherent or member." In order to determine whether a church qualifies under the above law, we require that a church official provide the information requested on the attached questionnaire After we receive this information and a certification of church affiliation, we will decide upon the appropriateness of this request.

Name

Addresses:

Church Official:

1. How many members does your church have?

2. How frequently do your members meet?

3. Where are your meetings customarily held?

4. Send a written statement of the theology or beliefs of your religion.

5. Attach copy of your doctrine or that part of it which specifies that immunizations conflict with the tenets and practices of your church or religious denomination.

6. Attach copy of any legal documents filed with a local, state or national governmental agency.

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