Ohio K-12 Vaccine Exemptions Law

The State of Ohio has Medical and Reasons of Conscience exemptions to vaccinations, which includes Religious Convictions.

According to Section 3313. 671 of the Ohio Revised Code, “A pupil who presents a written statement of the pupil’s parent or guardian in which the parent or guardian declines to have the pupil immunized for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions, is not required to be immunized,” and “A child whose physician certifies in writing that such immunization against any disease is medically contraindicated is not required to be immunized against that disease.”

Thus, medical exemptions require a signature from a licensed physician in the state of Ohio.

Exemptions for reason of conscience, including religious conviction require a signed written statement from the parent or guardian to be submitted to the school upon enrollment. Please note that there is no pre-written statement or form that you are required to submit for public school. The statement provided to you on this website are merely examples you are welcome to utilize.

Click the following links to download a sample statement for exemption, short form and a sample statement for exemption, long form.

Consider using the short form exemption, as this is all that the school should require.   However, if the school responds with a request that you include language that acknowledges your child may be excluded from attendance in the event of an outbreak of an illness or disease, then the sample statement for exemption, long form could be used.

It is highly recommended that you send your statement certified mail requiring a signature receipt card to be returned to you. This will provide proof that your statement was received.

What if you have turned in a vaccine exemption statement for your K-12 child yet the school is giving you a hard time? They are requesting that you sign a specific form, or stating they never received your exemption statement. What can you do now?

If the school is failing to communicate exemptions in written or verbal notifications or requesting that you sign a specific form for an exemption, consider the following:

1. Read the Ohio Legislative Service Commission (LSC) Review of 3313.671. A written and signed statement by a parent is all that is required. You are not required to fill out or complete a specific form. A member of the clergy is not required to sign or support the parent’s written statement. Provide a copy of the Ohio LSC Review to the school by downloading and printing: LSC Review 3313.671.pdf.
2. Call or email the school nurse or other staff who is failing to communicate exemptions or denying your written statement. Politely let them know that you are informed of your rights under Ohio Revised Code 3313.671. Ask them to provide a reference showing where it says you are required to fill out the school form.
3. Consider sending an email with all the forms and communications from the school to your State Representative, State Senator, District Superintendent and Ohio Board of Education Member, being sure to copy the school principal and nurse on the emails. Explain that you are complying with the law but the school is not allowing it and is threatening to add your child to the exclusion list. Link to find your Ohio Board of Education Member. Link to find your Ohio State Legislator.
4. Consider consulting with a lawyer.

Resources:

• For a current list of vaccine doses that would require an exemption for entry into public schools in Ohio, please check the Ohio Department of Health website here.
• For further information this link provides the law set forth in the Ohio Revised Code: 5104.014. Medical statement of immunization
• 3313.671 Proof of required immunizations – exceptions
• Ohio Legislative Service Commission returned this analysis (LSC Review 5104.014.pdf)