Am I legally required to immunize my child in Indiana in order for him to attend school?
Full Question:
Answer:
In Indiana, a school child may not be required to undergo any immunization when the child's parent objects on religious grounds. A religious objection must be:
Made in writing;
Signed by the childs parent; and
Delivered to the childs teacher or to the individual who might order an immunization.
Burns Ind. Code Ann. B' 20-8.1-7-2 (2002)
B' 20-8.1-7-2. Objections to health treatment
Except as otherwise provided, a school child may not be required to undergo any testing, examination, immunization, or treatment required under this chapter when the child's parent objects on religious grounds. A religious objection does not exempt a child from any testing, examination, immunization, or treatment required under this chapter unless the objection is:
Made in writing;
Signed by the child's parent; and
Delivered to the child's teacher or to the individual who might order a test, an exam, an immunization, or a treatment absent the objection.
A teacher may not be compelled to undergo any testing, examination, or treatment under this chapter when the teacher objects on religious grounds. A religious objection will not exempt an objecting individual from any testing, examination, or treatment required under this chapter unless the objection is:
Made in writing;
Signed by the objecting individual; and
Delivered to the principal of the school in which the objecting individual teaches.
Burns Ind. Code Ann. B' 20-8.1-7-2.5 (2002)
B' 20-8.1-7-2.5. Exceptions where immunization may be harmful to child
If any physician certifies that a particular immunization required by this chapter is or may be detrimental to the child's health, the requirements of this chapter for that particular immunization is inapplicable for that child until it is found no longer detrimental to the child's health.