(C) It is unlawful for any student to attend school unless the student has been immunized according to this rule or unless a signed statement of medical or religious exemption is on file with the school administrator.

1. Medical exemption. A student shall be exempted from the immunization requirements of this rule as provided in section 167.181, RSMo, upon signed certification by a licensed doctor of medicine (MD), doctor of osteopathy (DO), or his or her designee indicating that either the immunization would seriously endanger the student's health or life or the student has documentation of disease or laboratory evidence of immunity to the disease. The exemption shall be provided on an original Department of Health and Senior Services' form Imm.P.12 and shall be placed on file with the school immunization health record for each student with a medical exemption. The Imm.P.12 form is incorporated by reference in this rule as published June 2012 by the Department of Health and Senior Services and may be obtained by contacting a medical provider, local public health agency, or the department's Bureau of Immunization Assessment and Assurance at PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570, or by calling 800-219-3224. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. This need not be renewed annually.
2. Religious exemption. A student shall be exempted from the immunization requirements of this rule as provided in section 167.181, RSMo, if one (1) parent or guardian objects in writing to the school administrator that immunization of that student violates his/her religious beliefs. This exemption must be provided on an original Department of Health and Senior Services' form Imm.P.11A, and shall be signed by the parent or guardian and placed on file with the school immunization health record. The Imm.P.11A form is incorporated by reference in this rule as published April 2012 by the Department of Health and Senior Services and may be obtained by contacting a medical provider, local public health agency, or the department's Bureau of Immunization Assessment and Assurance at PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570, or by calling 800-219-3224. This rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. This need not be renewed annually.

This section shall not apply to any child if one parent or guardian objects in writing to his school administrator against the immunization of the child, because of religious beliefs or medical contraindications. In cases where any such objection is for reasons of medical contraindications, a statement from a duly licensed physician must also be provided to the school administrator.

This webpage provides fact sheets to educate parents and medical providers on filing medical exemptions and to educate parents on the possible consequences of signing religious exemptions.