In order to safeguard the school community from the spread of certain communicable diseases and in recognition that prevention is a means of combating the spread of disease, the Board requires all students to be immunized against polio, measles, diphtheria, rubella (German measles), pertussis, tetanus, mumps, and hepatitis B in accordance with State statutes, unless specifically exempt for medical or religious reasons. As of the 2001 school year all Pre-K and kindergarten students must also be immunized against varicella (chicken pox) or verification from the parent of a documented history of the disease. This policy pertains to both students who currently attend school in the District and those eligible to attend.

The Department of Health may exempt a student from immunization if a physician certifies in writing that immunization from a particular disease is medically contraindicated. Florida statutes require that school districts grant homeless children a temporary exemption for thirty (30) school days to submit the certification of immunization.

A student who has not completed immunization may not be admitted to school, except as is consistent with the law.

The Superintendent shall develop and update as needed administrative procedures to implement this policy.

F.S. 1003.22

Adopted 7/17/07