Immunizations

from Back to School 2021

Finding Support

TAOS MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS 2021-2022

Updates from the New Mexico Department of Health Exemptions from School and Daycare Immunization Requirements

Taos Municipal Schools’ nurses ensure students are in compliance with the immunization laws by reviewing each immunization record. Upon review, parents will receive guidance to ensure their child becomes and/or remains in compliance with New Mexico Department of Health requirements. A summary of the New Mexico 2021-2022 School Entry Immunization Requirements includes: Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis (DTaP/DT/Td) Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap) Polio (IPV) Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR Haemophilus Influenzea type B (Hib Hepatitis B (HepB) Pneumococcal (PVC) Varicella (VAR) Hepatitis A (HepA) Meningococcal Men (ACWY)

Please consult with your health care professional on specific age and dossing requirements for your child. A child shall be non-compliant with the New Mexico 2021-2022 school Entry Immunization Requirements if the child is eligible to receive but has NOT received the required immunizations on the recommended intervals. No child shall be enrolled in a school in New Mexico unless satisfactory evidence of immunization requirements has been provided. Any student with serologic confirmation of the presence of specific antibodies against a vaccinepreventable disease shall not be subject to immunization against that disease as a condition for attending school. The admitting official shall deem the student to be in compliance with the requirements of this regulation if: A statement, certificate or record signed by a duly licensed physician or other recognized licensed health facility stating that the required immunizations have been given to the persons is provided; or the exemption from immunization process is completed and proof is provided to the school district. T he New Mexico Immunization Exemption Statute (245-3) allows only two types of exemptions for children seeking exemption from required immunizations to enter school, childcare or pre-school. The two exemptions are medical or religious. If there is a medical reason for exempting, a signed medical exemption must be obtained from a duly licensed physician attesting that the required immunization(s) would endanger the life of the child. If there is a religious reason for exempting, the child’s parent/guardian must ask an officer of the church to write a letter on your behalf stating that you are a member of the church, and the church uses prayer or spiritual means alone for healing; or if access to a church officer is not possible, then the child’s parent/ guardian must complete the Certificate of Exemption Form. The form requires a statement of the religious reasons for requesting to have a child exempted from immunization. The law does not grant immunization exemptions for philosophical or personal reasons. Once a completed, notarized, original Certificate of Exemption Form is filed with the Department of Health, the Department has up to sixty days to notify the parent/guardian if the request is approved or denied. If approved, the parent/guardian will receive two copies of the original form with a clear “Approved” box checked, a signature from an officer of the Department, and an expiration date. The parent/guardian must take the Approved form to the child’s school. If denied, the parent/ guardian will receive a letter from the Department of Health explaining that the request is denied, and that the parent/guardian has the right to file an appeal with the Department of Health Cabinet Secretary. A process for appeal will also be included.