Michigan law requires that each student upon entry into kindergarten or into a new school district involving grades 1-12 possess a certificate of immunization at the time of registration or not later than the first day of school. Public Act 89 of 2000 mandates that an immunization assessment be completed for each sixth grade student. The above laws (which amend the Revised School Code, the Public Health Code, and the State School Aid Act) were implemented to ensure that children are adequately immunized against vaccine preventable diseases prior to achieving adolescence. Immunization prior to adolescence is important, as some of these diseases become an even greater threat to health upon reaching adolescence.
Prior to a child entering or attending school, parents or guardians are required to produce documentation confirming their child has received all required immunizations, or in the alternative, their child received at least one dose of each of the required immunizations and is awaiting receipt of subsequent doses to be administered at appropriate intervals.
There are also three circumstances in which a required vaccine may be waived or delayed:
1. A valid medical contraindication exists precluding the child from receiving the vaccine. A medical waiver is required to be completed and signed by the child's physician and shall state the contraindication(s), the vaccine(s) involved, and the time period during which the child is precluded from receiving the vaccine(s).
2. The parents or guardians hold religious or philosophical beliefs which preclude receipt of a vaccination(s). A waiver must be signed by the parent or guardian with all information completely supplied. An updated waiver must be presented each ye~r the child's immunization status is reported.
3. The child has received at least one dose of each immunizing agent and the next dose or doses are not yet due.
