Michigan Immunization Requirements

(Updated December 1993)

Authority:  Public Health, State Department of Health, Michigan Comp. Laws. &14.15(9201) to (9229).  Department of Public Health, Immunizations, Mich. Admin. Code r. 325.3501 to .3513.

General Rule:  A parent or guardian “applying to have a child registered for the first time in a school in this state shall present to school officials, at the time of registration or not later than the first day of school, a certificate of immunization or statement of exemption.”  A child may not enter or attend school unless the certificate has been received.  MCL & 14.15(9208).

Exceptions:  There are two, MCL & 14.15(9215):

1.    A child is exempt from the requirements of this part as to a specific immunization for any period of time as to which a physician certifies that a specific immunization is or may be detrimental to the child’s health or is not appropriate.”  

2.   A child is exempt from this part if a parent or guardian “presents a written statement of the administrator of the child’s school or operator of the group program to the effect that the requirements of this part cannot be met because of religious convictions or other objection to immunity.”

Definitions:  “Religious or other exemption” – “means a written statement signed by the parent, or guardian “of a child which certifies that immunization is in conflict with his or her religious or other convictions and which includes the name and birthday of the child”  MAC r. 325.3502.

Certificate:  Upon administering an immunization agent, the health professional shall present a written certificate, or make an entry on the certificate in the person’s possession.  Certificate shall be in a form approved by the department. MCL & 14.15(9206).

Designated Diseases:  Diphtheria, measles, mumps, pertussis, polio, rubella and tetanus.  MAC r. 325.3502.

Immunity:  Health personnel required to administer an approved immunization program, or any other person participating without compensation, “is not liable to any person for civil damages as a result of an act or omission causing illness, reaction, or adverse effect from the use of a drug or vaccine in the program, except for gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.”  MCL & 14.15(9203).

Duty of Parents:  A parent or guardian “of a child shall provide for the child’s immunization by an authorized health professional,” “within an age period prescribed by the department.”  MCL & 14.15(9205).

Penalty:  “A person who violates this part of a rule promulgated under this part is guilty of a misdemeanor.” MCL & 14.15(9229).