MS SB2398

Allows parents or legal guardians to exempt children from immunization requirements in schools and licensed child care facilities based on religious beliefs conflicting with vaccination.

Requires parents seeking religious exemptions to submit a signed affidavit to school or facility officials swearing or affirming that immunizations conflict with their religious beliefs.

Permits schools and child care facilities to require immunized children to stay home during disease epidemic stages, regardless of religious exemptions.

Applies exemptions to all immunizations specified by the State Health Officer for schools and to pneumococcal disease immunizations for licensed child care facilities.

Effective July 1, 2019.