Vermont Immunization Requirements

(Updated January 1994)

Authority: Health Regulations, Communicable Diseases, Vt. Stat. Ann. tit. 18 §§1120 to 1126. Immunization Regulations, Vt. Admin. Proc. Bull. 13140021 R2-301 to R2-304.

General Rule: No person may enroll as a student in a Vermont school, regardless of whether the student has been enrolled in the school during a previous school year, unless the appropriate school official has received a record or certificate of immunization. VSA T.18 §1121.    The school board of each district shall exclude from school any person not otherwise exempted under this subchapter who fails to comply with its provisions." VSA T.18 §1126.

Exceptions: There are three: VSA T.18 §1122.

1)       If the person, or parent or guardian, "presents a written statement from a licensed physician, health clinic or nurse that the person is in the process of being immunized."

2)       If a physician, licensed to practice in Vermont, certifies in writing that a specific immunization is or may be detrimental to the person's health or is not appropriate."

3)       If the person, or in the case of a minor the person's parent or guardian states in writing that the person, parent or guardian has religious beliefs or moral convictions opposed to immunization.

Definitions:  'School' means a public, private or parochial kindergarten, elementary or secondary school. VSA T.18 §1120.

Procedure: There must be notification by the "appropriate school authority" prior to excluding a student for failure to comply. "In the event of exclusion, school officials shall notify the department of health and contact the parents or guardians in an effort to secure compliance." VSA T.18 §1126.

Designated Diseases: Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles and rubella. VAPB 13140021 R2-303.