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JLCB

IMMUNIZATION OF STUDENTS AND COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

Prior to enrollment, all students in Cape Elizabeth schools are required to present a certificate of immunization or evidence of immunization or immunity against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (chicken pox) as referenced in Maine law, Chapter 26: Immunization Requirements for School Age Children.  

Required for PreK entry:

  • 4 DTaP

  • 3 Polio

  • 1MMR (Measles, Mumps, rubella)

  • 1 Varicella (chickenpox)

Required for Kindergarten entry:

  • 5 DTaP (4 DTaP if 4th is given on or after 4th birthday)

  • 4 Polio (3 DTaP if 3rd is given on or after 4th birthday)

  • 2 MMR 

  • 2 Varicella (chickenpox)

Required for 7th grade entry: 

  • All previously required vaccines

  • 1 Tdap

  • 1 Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine (MCV4)

Required for 12th grade entry:

  • All previously required vaccines

  • 2 MCV4 (only one dose is required if the 1st dose is given on or after 16th birthday)

OR

  • Medical exemption for one or all vaccines

  • Laboratory evidence of immunity to specific diseases or reliable history of disease documented by a physician or other primary care provider

  • Philosophical or religious exemptions are only allowable for students with an IEP and exemption in place prior to September 1, 2021

Each immunization entry must include the vaccine type, date administered and the name of the provider. As of September 1, 2021 only medical exemptions are allowable except as described above. 

A non-immunized student shall not be permitted to attend school except as follows:

  1. Written Assurance. The parent provides to the school a written assurance that the student will be immunized within 90 days of enrolling in school or first attendance in school classes, whichever date is the earliest. This is a one-time exception.

  2.  Medical Exemption. Written documentation from the primary care provider (a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant) that the immunization against one or more of the diseases may be medically inadvisable. This must be provided annually prior to the first day of school.

  3. A student covered by an Individualized Education Program.   A student covered by an Individualized Education Program on September 1, 2021 who elected a philosophical or religious exemption from immunization requirements on or before September 1, 2021 pursuant to the law in effect prior to that date may continue to attend school under that student's existing exemption as long as:

    1. The parent or guardian of the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that the physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant has consulted with that parent or guardian and has made that parent or guardian aware of the risks and benefits associated with the choice to immunize; or 

    2. If the student is 18 years of age or older, the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant that the physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant has consulted with that student and has made that student aware of the risks and benefits associated with the choice to immunize.  

A period of 21 calendar days may be granted to allow for the transfer of health records from one school to another.

EXCLUSION OF STUDENTS FROM SCHOOL

The Superintendent shall exclude from school any non-immunized student when a public health official has reason to believe that the student's continued presence in school presents a clear danger to the health of others. Any such student shall be excluded during the period of danger (as defined by health officials) or until the student receives the necessary immunization.

The Superintendent shall exclude from school any non-immunized student when there is a clear danger to the health of others as provided by law.

The Superintendent/designee is directed to develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to carry out this policy and comply with statutory requirements.

  • 20-A MRSA §§ 6352-6359
  • Me. Dept. of Ed. Rule Ch. 126 (May 10, 2018)
  • 20-A MRSA §§ 6301; 6352-6359
  • Title 20-A §6355. Enrollment in school
  • Ch. 126 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules) Maine School Health Manual
  • 10-144 Dept. of Human Services
  • Ch. 261 Immunization Requirement for School Children 


Cross Reference:


Adopted:

  • October 9, 1984

Revised:

  • March 14, 1995
  • January 13, 2009
  • June 9, 2010 (Replaces originally named, School Immunization Policy) 
  • September 11, 2018
  • September 14, 2021
  • October 10, 2023

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