MS SB2255

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

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

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.

Maintains existing medical exemptions from licensed physicians and allows local health officers to grant up to 90 days for children to complete vaccinations if delay poses no undue risk.

Takes effect July 1, 2018.