Stevensville School District

STUDENTS

Student Immunization

The Board requires all students to present evidence of their having been immunized against the following diseases: varicella, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella, and tetanus in the manner and with immunizing agents approved by the department. Haemophilus influenza type “b” immunization is required for students under age five (5). Upon initial enrollment, an immunization status form shall be completed by the student’s parent or guardian. The certificate shall be made a part of the student’s permanent record.

A student who transfers into the District may photocopy immunization records in the possession of the school of origin. The District will accept the photocopy as evidence of immunization. Within thirty (30) days after a transferring student ceases attendance at the school of origin, the school shall retain a certified copy for the permanent record and send the original immunization records for the student to the school district to which the student transfers.

Exemptions from one or more vaccines shall be granted for medical reasons upon certification by a licensed or certified health care provider in a manner provided by Section 20-5-405, MCA. Exemptions for religious reasons must be filed annually in a manner provided by Section 20-5-404, MCA. The statement for an exemption shall be maintained as part of the student’s immunization record in accordance with FERPA as specified in Policy 3600P.

All students who are enrolled under an exemption and have a disease listed in this Policy, have been exposed to a disease listed in this Policy, or may be exposed to a disease listed in this Policy while attending school may be excluded from the school by the local health officer or the DPHHS until the excluding authority is satisfied that the student no longer risks contracting or transmitting that disease.

The administrator may allow the commencement of attendance in school by a student who has not been immunized against each disease listed in Section 20-5-403, MCA, if that student has received one or more doses of varicella, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), poliomyelitis, measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella, and tetanus in the manner and with immunizing agents
approved by the department. Haemophilus influenza type “b” immunization is required for students under five (5) years of age.

The District shall exclude a student for noncompliance with the immunization laws and properly notify the parent or guardian. The local health department may seek an injunction requiring the parent to submit an immunization status form, take action to fully immunize the student, or file an exemption for personal or medical reasons.

Legal Reference:
§20-3-324(20), MCA Powers and Duties
§20-5-402-410, MCA Health
§20-5-403, MCA Immunization Required – Release and Acceptance of Immunization Records
§20-5-405, MCA Medical or Religious Exception

Policy History:
Adopted on: February 12, 2012
Reviewed on: May 8, 2012; August 10, 2021
Revised on: December 8, 2015; September 14, 2021