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Non-Medical Immunization Exemption Education

Non-Medical Immunization Exemption

BLDHD is transitioning to a virtual format for non-medical immunization exemption education. Review the new process below.

Michigan Public Health Law (MCL - Section 333.9208) requires that all infants and children have certain vaccinations or a valid exemption before entering public or private school or licensed childcare settings. These requirements exist to prevent the spread of disease and to prevent injury or death in the community.

Michigan parents/guardians who opt not to fully vaccinate their children before they enter school or childcare must receive education and request an exemption from their local public health department.

The immunization exemption education is provided for children in childcare through high school. Immunization exemption are required:

  • Annually for childcare, preschools, and Head Start programs
  • Before starting Kindergarten
  • Before starting 7th grade
  • Anytime the student changes school districts
Statewide MCIR System Update: Immunization Exemptions
The Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR) is currently experiencing statewide technical issues during its transition to the new STC/One system. These issues are affecting the processing and documentation of non‑medical immunization exemptions across Michigan. This is a statewide system issue, not specific to the BLDHD.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has identified this as a top priority and is working to resolve the problems as quickly as possible. Due to these challenges, exemption documentation may be delayed. We are working closely with local schools to help ensure children are prepared for the first day of school. Families should continue to follow any guidance provided directly by their child’s school. 
 
Please continue to complete the MiWAIV education modules and all steps of the exemption process. Completing your portion of the process will allow the health department and schools to collaborate effectively and verify family compliance, even though the final exemption document cannot currently be produced.
 
We appreciate your patience and understanding, and we will share updates as they become available.

Exemption Process
  1. Call 231‑882‑4409 ext. 3 to begin the process for obtaining a non-medical immunization exemption.
  2. Complete BLDHD Virtual Non-medical Immunization Exemption Education.   
  3. After completing the education modules, please email personalhealth@bldhd.org to notify staff of your completion. Be sure to include your name and address in the message. A Notice of Privacy Practices document will then be emailed to you via DocuSign for review and signature.
  4. Once the exemption is completed, a copy will be automatically available to your child’s school.
  5. Upon request, we can email you a copy of your child's Non-Medical Immunization Exemption or it is available at our office during normal business hours.  

If you have difficulty viewing or completing the virtual education, contact BLDHD for an in-person appointment at 231-882-4409 ext 3.

 

Exemption Guidelines
  • BLDHD is only able to provide non-medical immunization exemption for religious and philosophical objections.
    • BLDHD does not provide immunization exemption for medical reasons. Contact your child’s health care provider for a medical immunization exemption.

 

Additional Information

If a child is not up-to-date on their vaccinations, an exemption is required for the child to enroll in:

  • A licensed childcare, preschools, and Head Start programs
  • Kindergarten
  • Seventh grade
  • A new school district (or a new charter or private school)

Parents or guardians of school-age children entering other grades and remaining in the same school district do not need to request an exemption at this time, even if their child or children are not fully vaccinated.

MDHHS Nonmedical Waiver Frequently Asked Questions

In December, 2014, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved an educational requirement for Michigan parents opting their children out of getting vaccinated before entering school. The rule allows parents/guardians to have the opportunity to speak with a health educator from their local health department about their concerns and questions regarding immunizations prior to the non-medical exemption being signed. Any parent/guardian who wants to claim a non-medical exemption will need to receive education regarding the benefits of vaccination and the risks of disease from a Local Health Department (LHD) before obtaining the certified non-medical exemption form through the LHD. The rule requires the use of the State of Michigan’s official non-medical exemption form.

Click here to learn more about immunization exemption education.

Benzie Office

6051 Frankfort Hwy , Ste 100
Benzonia, MI   49616

Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm

Phone: (231) 882-4409 (231) 882-4409
Fax: (231) 882-2204

Leelanau County
Health Services

7401 E Duck Lake Rd., Ste 100
Lake Leelanau, MI 49653

Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm

Phone: (231) 256-0200(231) 256-0200
Fax: (231) 882-0143

Leelanau County
Environmental Services

8527 E. Government Center Dr. Suite LL-007
Suttons Bay, MI 49682

Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8am-12pm and 1pm-4:30pm

Phone: (231) 256-0201(231) 256-0200
Fax: (231) 256-0225

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For Media Contacts

Please direct all media inquiries to:
Rachel Pomeroy, Public Information Officer
Phone: 231-882-6085
bldhd@bldhd.org

 

MIChild, Healthy Kids, Healthy Michigan Plan

Free or low-cost health insurance for families. We can help you apply!  
Call 1-833-674-2159 or apply online at MI Bridges

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