Children can receive exemptions from vaccinations in Alabama if the parent or guardian of a child objects in writing that it conflicts with religious beliefs. Medical exemptions are also allowed when immunization may be detrimental to a child’s health.
However, school districts in Alabama can keep children with religious exemptions out of school if an outbreak or epidemic is occurring that could pose a threat to the community.
The more people who are vaccinated, the more protection is provided for those who can’t be vaccinated through religious or health reasons. Parents or guardians are required to have their children immunized before the children start school with the exception of those receiving exemptions.
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Parents or guardians must explain in writing to the local health department that the immunizations are against their religious tenets or practices. As for medical reasons, parents or guardians must offer certification from a competent medical authority for an exemption to school officials,
according to the National Vaccine Information Center.
The parents or guardians do not have to provide proof that they belong to a place of worship that objects to vaccinations, but state law requires they attend counseling sessions about the health risks involved in not having their children vaccinated.
Conditions that exempt children from vaccines may include certain allergies or diseases such as cancer,
according to the Alabama Media Group. Alabama does not allow personal belief exemptions for required vaccines, in which adults just don’t believe in the vaccinations without religious or medical grounds. Some states have seen a lower rate of vaccinations following the allowance of personal belief exemptions, as well as a rise in such diseases as measles.
About 92 percent of incoming kindergartners in Alabama schools received measles vaccinations with 447 students receiving a religious exemption from vaccines, according to a 2013-2014 survey. During the same time, 70 incoming kindergartners in the state had medical exemptions from vaccines.
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