IMMUNIZATION OF STUDENTS

All students who enroll in Southport schools are required by Maine law to present a certificate of immunization or evidence of immunization or immunity against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox).

Effective with the 2018-2019 school year, Maine’s immunization requirements also apply to meningococcal disease:

A. One dose of meningococcal vaccine MCV4 is required for students entering 7^th grade.

B. Students entering 12^th grade are required to have received two doses of MCV4. The first dose shall have been received on or after the 11^th birthday, and the second dose shall have been received on or after the 16^th birthday, at least eight weeks after the first dose. If the first dose is administered when the student is 16 years of age or older, only one dose is required.

Non-immunized students shall not be permitted to attend school unless one of the following conditions are met:

A. The parents/guardians provide to the school written assurance that the child will be immunized within 90 days of enrolling in school or his/her first attendance in classes, whichever date is earlier. This option is available only once to each student during their school career; or

B. The parents/guardians provide a physician’s written statement each year that immunization against one or more diseases may be medically inadvisable (as defined by law/regulation); or

C. The parents/guardians state in writing each year that immunization is contrary to their sincere religious or philosophical beliefs.

The Superintendent shall exclude from school any non-immunized student when there is a clear danger to the health of others as provided by law.

The Superintendent/designee is directed to develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to carry out this policy and comply with statutory requirements.

Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 6352-6359

Me. Dept. of Educ. Rule Ch. 126 (May 10, 2018)

Cross Reference:

JLCC – Communicable/Infectious Diseases

JRA – Student Educational Records

Adopted: 11/5/18