The New Mexico 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).
Children enrolling in child care facilities, pre-school, pre-Kindergarten
Infants entering child care facilities must be up to date at the time of enrollment and are required to provide an updated certificate after completing all of the required vaccines due no later than 18 months of age.
Children enrolling in Kindergarten
All children entering 7th grade (including currently enrolled students)
Children who are new enrollees in a NM school in grades other than Kindergarten
Medical or Religious Exemptions
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.
The Certificate of Religious Exemption and the Certificate of Medical Exemption will be on forms approved by the New Mexico Department of Public Health and will be accepted in lieu of the Certificate of Immunization.