Immunization Waiver Education
DHD4 is transitioning to a virtual format for immunization waiver education. Review the new process below.
Michigan Public Health Law (MCL – Section 333.9208) requires that all infants and children have certain vaccinations or a valid waiver before entering public or private school or licensed childcare settings. These requirements exist to prevent the spread of disease and to prevent injury or death in the community.
Michigan parents/guardians who opt not to fully vaccinate their children before they enter school or childcare must receive education and request a waiver from their local public health department.
Follow the process below for a non-medical immunization exemption waiver from District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4).
Virtual Exemption Waiver Process
- Complete DHD4’s Virtual Immunization Waiver Education. You must complete the entire education session.
- Complete the Consent Signature. If you choose to not complete the electronic signature, you must contact our office to schedule an in-person appointment to complete the non-medical waiver process.
- Once the education session and the signature is completed, a copy of the exemption will be automatically available to your child’s school.
- Upon request, we can email you a copy of your child’s Non-Medical Immunization Exemption Waiver or it is available at our offices during normal business hours.
If you have difficulty viewing or completing the virtual education, contact DHD4 for an in-person appointment at 989-356-4507.
Waiver Guidelines
- DHD4 is only able to provide nonmedical immunization waivers for religious and philosophical objections.
- DHD4 does not provide immunization waivers for medical reasons. Contact your child’s health care provider for a medical immunization waiver.
- The immunization waiver education is provided for children in childcare through high school.
- Immunization waivers are required:
- Annually for childcare
- Before starting Kindergarten
- Before starting 7th grade
- Anytime the student changes school districts
Additional Information
Who needs an immunization waiver?
If a child is not up-to-date on their vaccinations, a waiver is required for the child to enroll in:
- A licensed childcare
- Preschool or Head Start
- Kindergarten
- Seventh grade
- A new school district (or a new charter or private school)
Parents or guardians of school-age children entering other grades and remaining in the same school district do not need to request a wavier at this time, even if their child or children are not fully vaccinated.
Which vaccines are required for enrollment?
Why is immunization waiver education required?
In December, 2014, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved an educational requirement for Michigan parents opting their children out of getting vaccinated before entering school. The rule allows parents/guardians to have the opportunity to speak with a health educator from their local health department about their concerns and questions regarding immunizations prior to the nonmedical waiver being signed.
Any parent/guardian who wants to claim a nonmedical waiver will need to receive education regarding the benefits of vaccination and the risks of disease from a Local Health Department (LHD) before obtaining the certified nonmedical waiver form through the LHD. The rule requires the use of the State of Michigan’s official nonmedical waiver form.
Click here to learn more about immunization waiver education.