On August 3, 2015 Public Act 099-0249 was enacted that changes the process for parents or legal guardians seeking a religious exemption to any required immunizations or examinations for their children for school attendance.

The new law requires parents/legal guardians who object on religious grounds to complete a Certificate of Religious Exemption. This certificate must also be signed by the physician, advanced practice nurse, or physician assistant responsible for performing the student examination.

Beginning October 16, 2015 the use of the Certificate of Religious Exemption form is required for all students entering kindergarten, sixth or ninth grades when parents or legal guardians seek religious exemption and for all newly enrolling students requesting religious exemption on or after October 16, 2015.

Failure to comply with this requirement on or before October 15 of the school year will result in a student’s exclusion from school attendance until the completed form is provided to the school office.

Health care providers are not be expected to furnish this document. Please take a blank copy of the form with you to your scheduled appointment if seeking religious exemption.

The Certificate of Religious Exemption form can be found on the Public health website at www.dph.illinois.gov, on this site within the Forms and Handouts section, or from your school office.