MS HB953

Allows parents or guardians to exempt children from school vaccination requirements by submitting a letter or affidavit documenting which vaccinations have not been given based on beliefs contrary to vaccination.

Requires that beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, exemptions must be accompanied by a State Department of Health form including a signed attestation from a licensed health care practitioner (physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant) confirming the parent received information about vaccine benefits, risks, and disease risks to the child and community.

Requires parents or guardians to sign a written statement confirming they received the vaccine information from the health care practitioner, with both attestation and statement signed no more than six months before the child becomes subject to vaccination requirements.

Permits school administrators to temporarily exclude unvaccinated children from school if there is good cause to believe the child has been exposed to a vaccinated disease, until the local health officer determines the child is no longer at risk.

Effective July 1, 2013.