Missouri Immunization Requirements

(Updated December 1993)

Authority: Education and Libraries, Pupils, Title 11, Mo.Rev. Stat.  167.181. Rules of Department of Social Services, Mo.Code Regs. lit. 13,  50-1 10.0 10.

General Rule:  It is unlawful for any student to attend school for longer than fifteen school days unless he has been immunized as required under the rules and regulation of the  department  of  health, and can provide satisfactory evidence of such immunization. MRS  167.181.2.

Exceptions: This section shall not apply to any child if one parent or guardian  objects  in  writing  to his school administrator against the immunization of the child, because of religious beliefs or medical contraindications.  If for medical reasons, a statement from a duly licensed physician must also be provided.  MRS  167.181.3.

Epidemic: Where there is threat of epidemic or any actual epidemic, school district board of education is authorized to make reasonable rules and regulations respecting compulsory  vaccination or immunization of school children, but board does not have such power except where there is a threat of epidemic or an actual epidemic.' Op. Atty. Gen. No. 22, Anderson, 3-27-62.

Definitions: This rule is designed to govern any child - regardless of age - who is attending public, private, parochial or parish school.' MCR tit. 13, 50-110.010(l)(A).

Designated Diseases:  Poliomyelitis, rubella, rubeola, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.  MRS  167.181.1.

Responsibility of Parents:  It is unlawful for any parent or guardian to refuse or  neglect  to  have  his child immunized as required by this section, unless the child is properly exempted.' MRS  167.181.2.   For each student in noncompliance, appropriate legal action should be taken.  School administrators should exercise their power of  compulsory education under section MRS   167.031 and penalty under MRS  167.061. MCR tit. 13,  50-110.010(l)(A).

Further Research: Investigate how broad the religious exemption is along with whether or not home schools are covered in the definition of schools.