Kentucky Immunization Requirements

(Updated December 1993)

Authority: Education, Conduct of Schools - Special Prograna, Ky.  Rev.  Stat.  Ann.  158.035,.037, 214.032, .034, .036.  Communicable Diseases, 902 KRS. 2:060.

General Rule: No child shall be eligible to enroll as a student in any public or private elementary or secondary school without first presenting a certificate from a medical or osteopathic physician licensed in any state.  KRS  158.035.     Additionally, each 'child entering the public schools shall have proof of having been tested for tuberculosis prior to enrollment.' KPS  214.034(2).

Exceptions: There is no requirement if  KRS  214.036.

         1) in the written opinion of his attending physician, such testing or immunization would be injurious to the child's health.

         2) the 'parents are opposed to medical immunization against disease, and who object by a written sworn statement to the immunization of such child on religious grounds.'

Epidemic: In the event of an epidemic in a given area, the cabinet for human resources may, by emergency regulation, require the immunization of all persons within the area of epidemic, against the disease responsible for such epidemic.'  KRS  214.036.

Definitions: Child - means a person under eighteen (18) years of age.  KRS  214.032.

Certificate: 'The certificate shall state that the child has been immunized against' the designated diseases.  KRS  158.035.

Designated Diseases: Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, rubeola, and rubella.  KRS  158.035.

General Immunization Requirements:  'All parents, guardians, and other persons having care, custody or control of any child shall have the child tested for tuberculosis and immunized against' the designated diseases.  KRS  214.034(l).

Responsibility of Parents: The county board of health is authorized to enforce the immunization requirements of this section (KRS  158.035.) and KRS  214.034 immunization of children - Testing and treatment of children for tuberculosis) by entering an order under  M  212.245  or  proceeding directly against the parent, guardian or custodian of the child  who fails to have him  immunized by having a criminal complaint sworn out against the offender.  Opinion of Attorney General, OAG 78-24.