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Do I have to immunize my child to attend school in Indiana?

Do I have to immunize my child to attend school in Indiana?

Full question:

Am I legally required to immunize my child in the state of Indiana in order for him to attend school?

Category: Minors
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Indiana

Answer:

In Indiana, children are not required to be immunized if their parents object on religious grounds. To formally object, the parent must:

Submit a written statement
Sign the statement
Deliver it to the child's teacher or the person responsible for ordering immunizations

Additionally, if a physician certifies that a specific immunization may harm the child's health, that requirement does not apply until it is deemed safe (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2).

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can you say no to vaccines for your child?

Yes, in Indiana, parents can refuse vaccines for their child based on religious objections. They must submit a signed written statement to formally document their objection. Additionally, if a physician believes a vaccine could harm the child's health, that requirement can also be waived until it is safe (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

Are childhood vaccinations required by law?

In Indiana, childhood vaccinations are generally required for school attendance. However, parents can legally opt out of these requirements on religious grounds by providing a signed written statement. Additionally, if a child's health may be harmed by a vaccine, a physician can exempt them from that requirement (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

Can you decline vaccines for your child?

Yes, parents in Indiana can decline vaccines for their child for religious reasons. To do so, they must submit a signed written statement to the school. Furthermore, if a doctor certifies that a vaccine could be harmful to the child's health, that requirement can be waived until it is deemed safe (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

Can a parent refuse to vaccinate their child?

Yes, in Indiana, parents can refuse to vaccinate their child on religious grounds. They must provide a signed written statement to the school to formally object. Additionally, if a healthcare provider states that a vaccine could harm the child's health, that requirement can be exempted (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

Can parents refuse to have their child vaccinated?

Yes, parents in Indiana can refuse vaccinations for their child based on religious beliefs. They need to submit a signed written statement to the school to document their refusal. Additionally, if a physician believes a vaccine may harm the child's health, that requirement can be waived (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

What states have mandatory vaccines for school?

Many states in the U.S. have mandatory vaccination laws for school attendance, including California, New York, and Texas. However, each state has its own rules regarding exemptions, such as for medical or religious reasons. In Indiana, parents can refuse vaccines based on religious objections by submitting a signed statement (Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 20-8.1-7-2). Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.