- Section J: Students
JLCB - IMMUNIZATION OF STUDENTS
-
Immunization Requirements
All students who enroll in the RSU 21 school unit are required by Maine law 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). Students entering grades seven and 12 must also present a certificate of immunization or evidence of immunization or immunity against the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4).
B. Exception for Distance Learning Programs - A student who is enrolled in a distance education program offered by a school and who does not physically attend any classes or programs at a school facility, including a campus, center or site of that school, or other facilities of another school, is exempt from these requirements.
C. Non-immunized students - Non-immunized students shall not be permitted to enroll in school, or to attend school or school activities unless one of the following conditions is met:
-
The parent/guardian provides to the school written assurance that the child will be immunized within 90 days of enrolling in school or the day of their first attendance in classes, whichever date is earlier. This option is available only once to each student during their school career.
-
The parent/guardian provides a written statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant each year that, in that individual’s professional judgment, immunization against one or more diseases may be medically contraindicated or
-
A student covered by an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) on September 1, 2021, who had an exemption from Maine immunization law requirements based on their sincere religious belief or for philosophical reasons on or prior to 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:
The parent/guardian of the student provides a statement from a licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant that they have consulted with the parent/guardian and have made the parent/guardian aware of the risks and benefits associated with immunization; or
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 they have consulted with that student and has made that student aware of the risks and benefits associated with immunization.
C. Exclusion of Non-immune Students from School
The Superintendent shall exclude from school any non-immunized student when a public health official as defined in state law 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 (i) during the period of danger (as defined by health officials) or (ii) until the student receives the necessary immunization.
Upon the direction of a physician who has consulted with the Bureau of Health, the Superintendent may also exclude from school: 1) a student who presents a public health threat in accordance with applicable laws or 2) a student who has been exposed to a communicable disease.
In such cases, if a student is absent from school for more than 10 days, the Superintendent shall make arrangements to meet the educational needs of the student.
The Superintendent/designee is directed to develop such administrative procedures as are necessary to carry out this policy and comply with statutory requirements.
Legal Reference: 20-A MRSA §§ 6301; 6352-6359
Chapter 126 (Me. Dept. of Ed. Rules)
Cross Reference: JLCC – Communicable/Infectious Diseases
Adopted: 12/22/97
Amended: 03/22/99
Amended: 07/16/01
Reviewed: 05/03/10
Amended: 08/29/16
Amended: 03/04/19
Amended: 05/20/24
- Section J