Section 695.30  Exceptions

a)         The provisions of this Act shall not apply if:

1)         The parent or guardian of the child objects thereto on the grounds that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his or her religious tenets or practices, or

2)         A physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches states in writing that the physical condition of the child is such that the administration of one or more of the required immunizing agents is medically contraindicated.

b)         If a religious objection is made, a written and signed statement from the parent or legal guardian detailing such objections must be presented to the child care facility or local school authority.  The religious objection statement shall be considered valid if:

1)         The parent or guardian of a child entering a child care facility objects to the immunization(s) on the grounds that they conflict with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious organization of which the parent is an adherent or member; or

2)         The objection by the parent or guardian of a child entering school (including programs under the kindergarten level) sets forth the specific religious belief which conflicts with the immunization(s).  The religious objection may be personal and need not be directed by the tenets of an established religious organization.

c)         It is not the intent of this Part that any child whose parents comply with the intent of this Act should be excluded from a child care facility or school.  A child or student shall be considered to be in compliance with the law if there is evidence of the intent to comply.  Such evidence may be a signed statement from the physician that he has begun, or will begin, the necessary immunization procedures, or the parent's or guardian's written consent for the child's participation in a school or other community immunization program.

(Source:  Amended at 20 Ill. Reg. 11962, effective August 15, 1996)