MO SB748

Adds meningococcal disease to the list of required immunizations for children attending public, private, parochial, and parish schools in Missouri, effective upon department of health and senior services rulemaking.

Allows exemptions from school immunization requirements for children whose parent or guardian objects on religious or medical grounds, with a physician statement required for medical contraindications.

Changes higher education meningococcal vaccine requirement from a signed waiver documenting student awareness to an actual vaccine mandate for students residing in on-campus housing, beginning with the 2004-2005 school year.

Permits medical exemptions for college students when a licensed physician certifies immunization would endanger health or life, or when student has disease documentation or laboratory evidence of immunity.

Permits religious exemptions for college students who object in writing to the institution's administration on religious grounds, and clarifies institutions are not required to provide or pay for vaccinations.