MS SB2059

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 not been given based on religious or philosophical beliefs.

Requires the exemption letter to include: explanation of reasons for the exemption, statement that parent/guardian was informed by a health care practitioner about vaccination risks and benefits, and acknowledgment that unvaccinated children may be removed from school during disease outbreaks at the discretion of the State Department of Health.

Permits exemption letters for religious or philosophical reasons in addition to existing medical exemptions issued by licensed physicians.

Specifies that unvaccinated children removed from school during outbreaks cannot return until the outbreak is resolved and the State Department of Health or local health officer approves their return.

Effective July 1, 2018.