Beginning in January 2014, the requirements for parents who want to utilize California’s personal belief exemption and send their children to school without the required childhood immunizations will change, as AB2109 becomes effective. Previously, a parent only had to file a letter or affidavit claiming some or all immunizations were “contrary to his or her beliefs.” (Health and Safety Code, §120365). Under the new law, parents or guardians will also have to submit a “signed attestation” from a health practitioner that the practitioner has explained to them the risks and benefits of vaccines and the risks of vaccine preventable diseases and a statement that the person(s) requesting the exemption received the information.
In his signing statement, Governor Jerry Brown said that he was “directing the Department of Public Health to oversee this policy so parents are not overburdened in its implementation. Additionally, I will direct the department to allow for a separate religious exemption on the form. In this way, people whose religious beliefs preclude vaccinations will not be required to seek a health care practitioner’s signature.”
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