Christian UC: Vaccines

Utah Immunization Requirements

Updated Janyary 1994

Authority: Students in Public Schools, Utah Code Ann. g 53A-11-301 to 306. Health, Utah Admin. R. 386-704-1 to 8.

General Rule: Unless exempted for the personal, medical, or religious objections provided, "a student may not attend a public, private, or parochial kindergarten, elementary, or secondary school through grade 12, nursery school, licensed day care center, child we facility, family care home, or headstart program in this state unless there is presented to the appropriate official of the school a certificate of immunization from a licensed physician or authorized representative of the state of local health department stating that the student has received immunization against communicable diseases as required.' UCA g 53A-11-301.

"A student may enter school without a certificate of immunization under a conditional enrollment if the student moves to Utah or transfers within the state within 30 days prior to entry into a school, but may not continue to attend unless a certificate of immunization is presented within 30 days after entry. UCA g 53A-11-302(1).

"A student who, at the time of enrollment, has not been completely immunized against each specified disease may attend school under a conditional enrollment provided the student has received one dose of each specified vaccine prior to enrollment.' UCA g 53A-11-302(2).

Penalty: "Parents or guardians of children who are prohibited from attending school for failure to comply with the provisions of this part provisional enrollment) shall be referred to the juvenile court.' UCA g 53A-11-306(4).

"Provisions for enforcement and penalties for the violation of public health rules, including this Immunization Rule for Students, are prescribed under Section 26-23-6." UAR 386-704-8.

Exceptions: There are three: UCA g 53A-11-302(3).

1) "A certificate from a licensed physician that the physical condition of the student is such that one or more specified immunizations would endanger the student's life or health.'

2) Filing a completed health department form which contains, "a statement that the person has a personal belief opposed to immunizations signed by the parents, guardians, brother or sister (if no parent) or the student (if of legal age).

3) A statement signed by the parents, guardians, brother or sister (if no parent) or the student (if of legal age), "that the person is a bona fide member of a specified, recognized religious organization whose teachings are contrary to immunizations."

Reporting: "Each governing school authority, in cooperation with the local health department, shall file a written report of the immunization status of all students under its jurisdiction with the Bureau of Epidemiology by November 30, of each year. " UAR 386-704-3(5).

Designated Diseases: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella, and haemophilus influenzae type b. UAR 386-704-2.

Strategy: Use any of the three exceptions. The personal belief is extremely broad and virtually all inclusive. It appears that home schools are not included in the definition of schools.

Further Research: Find the penalty provision Section 26-23-6.

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