QUESTION:
What are the legal requirements for immunizing children?

ANSWER:
Federal law requires that before immunizations are given, parents or guardians must have: (1) information in writing (Vaccine Information Statements) about the risks and benefits of vaccination, and (2) an opportunity to ask questions and obtain additional information about vaccinations from their health care provider.

It is the responsibility of each state to determine which vaccines are required by law. States require vaccination because they have a responsibility to protect the entire population of the state as well as individuals. The legal requirements for childhood immunizations vary from state to state. In Washington State the requirements are defined in the Washington State Immunization Law RCW 28A.210 (visit the website: www.doh.wa.gov/cfh/immunize/schools.htm).

The law requires parents or guardians to give their child care program or school a completed Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form for each child before attending. CIS forms are available from child care facilities, schools and health departments. Parents or guardians are encouraged to keep records of immunizations to validate the CIS document.

To legally attend child care or school, children must:

• be fully immunized for their age or
• be in the process of catching up on late immunizations or
• have a signed exemption from vaccination for medical, religious or personal reasons on the CIS form.

If a family signs a certificate of exemption, a child who is not fully immunized may be excluded from attending child care or school when cases of certain vaccine-preventable diseases occur or during outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Maintaining your child's immunization record is a lifelong responsibility.