Medical exemption to immunization

Required vaccines follow a schedule that specifies the type and spacing of immunizations.

If a healthcare provider believes a child is protected against a disease according to a different schedule, the physician may state in writing the reasons for that belief and certify that he or she believes the specific immunization in question is not necessary or indicated.

When a healthcare provider claims a child is immune, the provider must submit laboratory documentation of the child’s immunity to school authorities.

Schools must submit these statements with the appropriate written consent of the parent or guardian to the regional immunization consultant of IDPH.

While waiting for the notes to be reviewed, the student will be considered in compliance but unprotected.

After review, if the student is no longer considered to be in compliance, the student is subject to the exclusion provision of the law.

Due to clinical practice and logistical constraints, vaccine doses are sometimes administered within four or fewer days prior to the minimum interval or age. Vaccine doses given within this four-day grace period can be considered by the local school authority as ‘proof of immunity’ per 77 Ill. Adm. Code 665.270 and does not need to be submitted to IDPH for review. Those students can be considered in compliance and protected.

This does not apply to the 28-day interval required between live vaccine doses.

Medical objection to immunization

• Must indicate the student’s medical condition that contraindicates the specific immunization
• Must be written by an MD, DO, APN, or PA
• The medical objection documentation should be received and honored by appropriate school personnel
• These students must be placed on a susceptible list and subject to immediate exclusion if vaccine-preventable disease or contact is identified at the school.