The U.S State of Rhode Island

Allows:

Medical exemptions
Religious exemptions





TITLE 23. HEALTH AND SAFETY
CHAPTER 1. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-1-44 (2002)

§ 23-1-44. Routine childhood immunization vaccines

The department of health shall include in the department's immunization program those vaccines for routine childhood immunization as recommended by the advisory committee for immunization practices (ACIP) and the academy of pediatrics (AAP) to the extent permitted by available funds.

TITLE 16. EDUCATION
CHAPTER 38. OFFENSES PERTAINING TO SCHOOLS

R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-38-2 (2002)

§ 16-38-2. Immunization

(a) Every person upon entering any public or private school including any college or university in this state as a pupil shall furnish to the administrative head of the school evidence that the person has been immunized against any diseases that may from time to time be prescribed by regulation of the director of health and tested for tuberculosis, or a certificate from a licensed physician stating that the person is not a fit subject for immunization for medical reasons, or a certificate signed by the pupil, if over eighteen (18) years of age, or by the parent or guardian stating that immunization and/or testing for communicable diseases is contrary to that person's religious beliefs. It shall be the responsibility of the administrative head of the school to secure compliance with these regulations.

(b) Every child more than twenty-four (24) months of age, resident in the state of Rhode Island, shall be eligible to receive the immunization against meningococcal disease. The Department of Health shall include meningococcal vaccine in the department's immunization program, established by § 23-1-44.