South Dakota Immunization Requirements

(Updated January 1994)

Authority: S.D. Codified Laws Ann.  13-28-7.1 and 34-22-6.

General Rule:    Any pupil entering school in this state, shall, prior to admission, be required to  present to the appropriate school authorities certification from a licensed physician that he has received a test for tuberculosis and is free from a contagious form of tuberculosis and he has received or is in the process of receiving adequate immunization against the designated diseases. SDCL  13-28-7.  I.

Exceptions: There are two exceptions: SDCL  13-28-7. 1.

         1) Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child would be such that a test or immunization would endanger his life or health.

         2) A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is an adherent to a  religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to such test and immunization.

Reporting: The department of health may adopt reasonable rules to require compliance and documentation of adequate immunization, to define appropriate certification, and to specify standard procedure.

Designated Diseases: Poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, rubeola, rubella, mumps and tetanus.  The department of health may modify or delete any of the required immunization. SDCL  13-28-7.l.

Liability:  It is a Class 2 misdemeanor for any board, physician, or person to compel another by the use of physical force to submit to the operation of vaccination with smallpox or other virus.  SDCL  34-22-6.