Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-7.3 - Persons excluded

Exclusions to these rules are permitted on an individual basis for medical and religious reasons pursuant to Iowa Code section 139A.8. Applicants approved for medical or religious exemptions shall submit to the admitting official a valid department certificate of immunization exemption.

(1) To be valid, a medical certificate of immunization exemption shall contain, at a minimum, the applicant's last name, first name, and date of birth, the vaccine(s) exempted, and an expiration date (if applicable) and shall bear the signature of a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant. Language included on the medical certificate of immunization exemption referencing rule 641-7.3 (139A) cannot be altered. Any edits or alterations to the medical certificate of immunization exemption referencing rule 641-7.3 (139A) will invalidate the certificate.

a. A medical exemption may apply to a specific vaccine(s) or all required vaccines. If, in the opinion of the physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant issuing the medical exemption, the exemption should be terminated or reviewed at a future date, an expiration date shall be recorded on the certificate of immunization exemption; or

b. A medical exemption may apply when the administration of the required vaccine would violate minimum interval spacing and the exemption shall apply only to an applicant who has not received prior doses of the exempted vaccine. An expiration date, not to exceed 60 calendar days, and the name of the vaccine exempted shall be recorded on the medical certificate of exemption.

(2) A religious exemption may be granted to an applicant if immunization conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief. To be valid, a religious certificate of immunization exemption for religious reasons shall contain, at a minimum, the applicant's last name, first name, and date of birth and shall bear the signature of the applicant or, if the applicant is a minor, of the applicant's parent or guardian and shall attest that immunization conflicts with a genuine and sincere religious belief and that the belief is in fact religious and not based merely on philosophical, scientific, moral, personal, or medical opposition to immunizations. Language included on the religious certificate of immunization exemption referencing rule 641-7.3 (139A) cannot be altered. Any edits or alterations to the religious certificate of immunization exemption referencing rule 641-7.3 (139A) will invalidate the certificate.

(3) Medical and religious exemptions do not apply in times of emergency or epidemic pursuant to Iowa Code section 139A.8.

Notes

Iowa Admin. Code r. 641-7.3

Adopted by IAB May 29, 2024/Volume XLVI, Number 25, effective 7/3/2024