Massachusetts
Immunization Requirements
Updated
December 1993
Authority:
Mas. Gen. Laws Ann. Ch. 76, &&15 et seq. Department of Public
Health, Mass Regs. Code tit. 105, && 220.100 et seq.
General Rule:
Children are not admitted to school "except upon presentation of
a physician's certificate that the child has been successfully immunized
against" the designated diseases. MGL 76, &15.
Exceptions:
MGL 76, &15.
1) Upon certification that
a doctor has personally examined the child and found "that his
health would be endangered by such vaccination or by any of such immunizations."
2) No "child whose parent
or guardian states in writing that vaccination or immunization conflicts
with sincere religious beliefs shall be required to present" the
certificate in order to be admitted. Exemption does not require the
objecting persons to be a member of a recognized church or religious
denomination. Dallo v. Board of Education, 358 Mass 753, 267 NE 2d 219
(1971)
3) Epidemic: Exceptions are
noneffective in an emergency or epidemic. MGL 76, 15.
Designated Diseases:
"Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and poliomyelitis and
such other communicable diseases as may be specified from time to time
by the department of public health." MGL 76, &15. Rubella and
mumps. CMR 105, &200.500.
College Students:
Health science students in contact with patients in the state must also
have administered an adequate dosage of an immunizing agent against
each disease. The health and religious exemptions apply. MGL 76, &15C.
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