Arizona school vaccine exemptions

Personal-belief exemption (K-12). A parent or guardian signs the Arizona Department of Health Services personal-beliefs exemption form and gives it to the school. The form includes an acknowledgment that an unvaccinated child may be excluded from school during an outbreak. No provider signature is required.

Religious exemption (childcare and preschool). For licensed childcare, the exemption must be based on religious beliefs and is documented on a separate state form signed by the parent.

Medical exemption. A physician documents that a vaccine is medically contraindicated, on the state form, for as long as the contraindication lasts.

What to ask a practice. Whether they will provide immunization records reflecting a partial schedule for school enrollment, and whether they will document a medical exemption when one applies. The personal-belief and religious forms do not involve the practice.

Where rules change. Schools verify exemptions at kindergarten and sixth grade. Confirm the current forms with your school district or county health department.