The Alabama Department of Health has immunization requirements for those who attend child care, pre-school, and school. The state’s immunization requirements follow the current schedule published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).

Alabama law requires that students must present a current blue Alabama Certificate of Immunization prior to enrolling in school.

Prior to entering Kindergarten students should have:

  • 2 doses of measles-containing vaccine

  • 1 dose of Varicella vaccine (unless the student has had documentation of Varicella disease)

  • Any other vaccines listed on the immunization schedule.

Prior to entering 6th grade students must have:

  • Aa Tdap vaccine for tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough).

Immunization Exemptions

Alabama allows exceptions for medical reasons and religious beliefs.

Medical

Physicians (MD or DO) or Public Health Nurses indicate specific vaccines medically exempted (because of risk of harm) on the certificate. Other vaccines may remain required. The form certifies that a child has a condition that prevents him/her from getting vaccinated. The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided.

Religious

This exemption requires a signed statement by the parent/guardian that vaccination conflicts with their religious tenets or practices. A written objection from the parent or guardian of a student based on religious tenets and practices shall be submitted in person by the parent or guardian to the County Health Department for issuance of a Certificate of Religious Exemption from the required immunizations or testing.

For more information on vaccines and exemptions visit here.

The Certificate of Religious Exemption and the Certificate of Medical Exemption will be on forms approved by the Alabama Department of Public Health and will be accepted in lieu of the Certificate of Immunization.