Immunization requirements apply to all persons enrolled or attempting to enroll in a licensed childcare center or a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school in Iowa including those who are provided competent private instruction. Unless a relevant exemption as outlined herein applies, each student’s parent(s) must submit a fully completed and signed current Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Immunization to the district in accordance with the processes established by the district. In keeping with law, the district may grant the following exemptions from the immunization requirements:

1. A medical exemption may be granted to a student when, in the opinion of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, the required immunization(s) would be injurious to the health and well-being of the student or any member of the student’s family or household. A medical exemption may apply to a specific vaccine(s) and/or to all required immunizations. A certificate for medical exemption is valid only when signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician’s assistant.
2. A religious exemption may be granted to a student if immunization(s) conflict with a genuine and sincere religious belief of the student / parent(s). An Iowa Department of Public Health Certificate of Exemption shall be signed by the child’s parent or guardian or legally authorized representative and attest that immunization conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief and be notarized to an applicant if immunizations conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief. The certificate of immunization exemption for religious reasons shall only be valid when notarized.

The district may grant a  Provisional Certificate for children who have begun but not completed the immunization requirements. The amount of time allowed for provisional enrollment based on a Provisional Certificate shall be as soon as medically feasible but not more than 60 calendar days.

Cross Reference:
District Student Handbook – Immunizations

Approved:
May 11, 1998

Reviewed:
November 14, 2005
March 25, 2013
November 20, 2017
April 21, 2022

Revised:
November 14, 2005
November 20, 2017
May 16, 2022