Massachusetts Immunization Requirements

(updated December 1993)

Authority: Mas. Gen. Laws Ann. Ch. 76, &&15 et seq. Department of Public  Health, Mass Regs. Code tit. 105, && 220.100 et seq.

General Rule: Children are not admitted to school "except upon presentation of  a physician's certificate that the child has been successfully immunized  against" the designated diseases.  MGL 76, &15.

Exceptions: MGL 76, &15.

1)    Upon certification that a doctor has personally examined the child and found "that his health would be endangered by such vaccination or by any of such immunizations."

2)   No "child whose parent or guardian states in writing that vaccination or immunization conflicts with sincere religious beliefs shall be required to present" the certificate in order to be admitted.  Exemption does not require the objecting persons to be a member of a recognized church or religious denomination.  Dallo v. Board of Education, 358 Mass 753, 267 NE 2d 219 (1971)

3)   Epidemic: Exceptions are noneffective in an emergency or epidemic. MGL 76, 15.

Designated Diseases: "Diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles and poliomyelitis and such other communicable diseases as may be specified from time to time by the department of public health."  MGL 76, &15.  Rubella and mumps.  CMR 105, &200.500.

College Students: Health science students in contact with patients in the state must also have administered an adequate dosage of an immunizing agent against each disease.  The health and religious exemptions apply.  MGL 76, &15C.