Immunizations

Student Immunization Requirements

Students who enroll in DoDEA schools are required to meet specific immunization requirements. These requirements represent the minimum and do not necessarily reflect the optimal immunization status for a student. Acceptable forms of official proof of immunization status may include, but are not limited to:

• Yellow international immunization records;

• State agency-generated immunization certificates;

• School-generated immunization certificates; and

• Physician, clinic, or hospital-generated immunization records.

It is the responsibility of the sponsor/parent/guardian to provide their child’s most current immunization record at the time of enrollment and when immunizations are updated. Parents of incoming students are allowed up to 30 days from the date of enrollment to obtain documentation of any missing required immunization(s).

If the missing required immunization is a series, then the first dose of the series must be administered, and documentation must be provided to the school within the 30 days. Students who have immunization(s) due during the school year will have 10 calendar days from the due date to receive their vaccine(s) and to submit documentation to the school. The due date of a vaccine is on the date the student reaches the minimum recommended age for vaccine administration.

STUDENTS IN NON-COMPLIANCE AFTER 10 DAYS WILL BE DISENROLLED, UNTIL PROOF OF COMPLIANCE IS PROVIDED.

DoDEA Immunization Requirements

Policy References:

DoDEA Regulation 2942.01, School Health Services

Immunization Exemptions

A waiver for immunization exemption may be granted for medical or religious reasons. Philosophical exemptions are not permitted. The DoD Component must provide guidance on the waiver process.

A statement from the child’s health care provider is required if an immunization cannot be administered because of a chronic medical condition wherein the vaccine is permanently contraindicated or because of natural immunity. The statement must document the reason why the child is exempt. This request for immunization exemption from specific vaccines due to vaccine contraindications or natural immunity must be completed and submitted to the school at the beginning of the child’s enrollment or when a vaccine is due. Request for exemption only needs to be completed one time for the duration of the child’s enrollment at the school.

If an immunization is not administered because of a parent’s religious beliefs, the parent must submit an exemption request in writing, stating that he or she objects to the vaccination based upon religious beliefs. The request must be completed and submitted to the school at the beginning of every school year. For students arriving after the school year has started, this request/written statement must be submitted at the initial enrollment and at the beginning of every school year.

During a documented outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease (as determined by local DoD medical authorities), the child who is attending a DoDEA school program under an immunization waiver for that vaccine will be excluded from attending. This is for his or her protection and the safety of the other children and staff. The exclusion will remain in place until such time that the DoD Command determines that the outbreak is over and that it is safe for the child to return to school.