MS SB2636

Amends Mississippi Code Section 41-23-37 to allow parents or guardians to exempt children from vaccination requirements by submitting a letter or affidavit documenting which vaccinations have been given and which have been withheld based on religious or philosophical beliefs.

Requires exemption letters to include specific statements that the parent/guardian has been informed by a health care practitioner and school district of vaccination risks and benefits, and documentation of whether the objection applies to some or all vaccinations.

Requires exemption letters to acknowledge that unvaccinated children may be removed from school during disease outbreaks at the discretion of the State Department of Health or local health officer and cannot return until the outbreak is resolved.

Expands medical exemptions to include letters from licensed physicians in any state written on physician letterhead, rather than only state-issued certificates.

Takes effect July 1, 2017.