Superintendents:
As you may know, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), in compliance with the federal court order entered in April 2023, has implemented a process for religious exemptions for childhood school vaccinations.
Instructions for parents and guardians about how to request a religious exemption are available on the MSDH website.
Please note the following from the instructions:
- To request a religious exemption from one or more required vaccinations for Mississippi school entry, the parent or guardian must complete the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Religious Exemption Request (Form 139-R) and submit to the County Health Department (appointment is required: 855-767-0170).
- A review of all religious exemption requests for completeness will be conducted at MSDH.
- Complete religious exemption requests submitted per MSDH policy will be accepted and signed by the State Epidemiologist or Deputy State Epidemiologist.
- Once the request is reviewed and accepted, a Certificate of Medical/Religious Exemption (Form 122) will be issued.
- Only the Certificate of Medical/Religious Exemption (Form 122) signed and dated by the State Epidemiologist or Deputy State Epidemiologist provides official, documented proof that a child has been issued a medical/religious exemption by MSDH.
Please note, the process for schools around K-12 vaccinations and exemptions has not changed. Each child with a medical or religious exemption must have a completed and signed 122 Form from the MSDH in order to be enrolled. There has been no change to the way schools collect, retain, and report vaccination status on all students.
As a reminder, the law provides for a 90-day window for schools to have all enrolled students in compliance. This 90-day window may be relevant for those schools beginning in the immediate future in order to have students begin school while awaiting their 122 Form, while also ensuring the school remains in compliance with the law.
Please visit the MSDH website for complete instructions about requesting a religious exemption.