Immunization Requirements

HE 2.0

All students in Catholic schools must be immunized in accordance with Maryland State Law.

Purpose:

Commentary/Procedural Points:

Schools inform parents that the child may have up to a maximum of twenty (20) calendar days from the time the child starts school to obtain the immunization record, get needed doses of vaccine, or get started on the vaccination series. If there is no verification of immunization record presented within twenty (20) calendar days of entry, the student is to be excluded until the record is obtained.

In case of medical contraindication for one or more immunizations, form DHMH 896 must be completed and signed by authorized medical personnel, submitted, and kept on file.

For religious exemption, parent must complete and sign AOB Statement of Religious Objection and form DHMH 896 (religious objection section). Both forms must be returned to the school. School will then submit documentation to the Director of Student Support Services, noted as "religious objection" in the subject line.
- - Submitted religious exemption forms will be forwarded to the Superintendent for review and determination. A copy of this submission to the Superintendent will also be provided to the originating school. The Superintendent may at their discretion seek consultation from the Chancery Office or other Departments to assess the merits of which a religious exemption is sought. The Director of Student Support Services will be notified of the decision regarding the requested exemption and will communicate the determination to the school principal. Anticipated response time for this review process is three-five business days.
  - The Department of Catholic Schools will prepare a determination letter and forward it to the originating school for presentation to the parent(s). A copy of the communication shall be maintained in the student's file at the school.

Exempted students are to be excluded from school if there is an outbreak of the disease(s) for which they are not immunized.
Regarding the vaccine exemption policy, should the State at any point mandate additional vaccinations, if the parent has been already exempted from the currently established vaccinations, once an exemption is filed for a student it applies to all future vaccination as required by the State. A new exemption application is required each time a new vaccine is required.

References:

September 12, 2023