A pupil shall be exempted from mandatory immunization if the parent or guardian of the pupil objects thereto in a written statement signed by the parent or guardian upon the ground that the proposed immunization interferes with the free exercise of the pupil's religious rights based on the principles and teachings of a recognized religious organization or church. This statement will be kept by the school and the Health Department as part of the immunization record. This exemption may be suspended by the Commissioner of Health during the existence of an emergency as determined by the Commissioner of Health. As an alternative, all unimmunized children may be suspended from school attendance until the emergency situation is cleared.