MMR VACCINE EXEMPTION LAW CHANGE 2019

As of July 28, 2019, a new state law (House Bill 1638) removes the personal and philosophical option to exempt children from the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine required for school and child care attendance.

Children without a medical or religious exemption, current MMR vaccines or proof of immunity will need two doses of MMR vaccine to be allowed to start school on September 4, 2019.

Because MMR vaccine doses must be administered at least a month apart, your child may be entered into school if they have paperwork showing at least one dose of MMR vaccine by the beginning of the school year. This will place your child under conditional status for up to 30 days, at which point you will need to provide records showing your child received the second dose of vaccine.

You can find more information at the WA Department of Health exemption law change web page, including FAQs: www.doh.wa.gov/mmrexemption