title: Processes for obtaining nonmedical exemptions to state immunization laws.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study sought to determine the specific processes required for obtaining religious and philosophical exemptions to school immunization laws.
  
  
  METHODS
  State health department immunization program managers in the 48 states that offer nonmedical exemptions were surveyed. Categories were assigned to reflect the complexity of the procedure within a state for obtaining an exemption.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixteen of the states delegated sole authority for processing exemptions to school officials. Nine states had written policies informing parents who seek an exemption of the risks of not immunizing. The complexity of the exemption process, in terms of paperwork or effort required, was inversely associated with the proportion of exemptions field.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In many states, the process of claiming a nonmedical exemption requires less effort than fulfilling immunization requirements.
authors: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Measles Virus Section, Mail Stop C-22, 1600 Clifton Rd, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA. jrota@cdc.gov
authors: J S
authors: JS
authors: Rota
authors: D A
authors: DA
authors: Salmon
authors: L E
authors: LE
authors: Rodewald
authors: R T
authors: RT
authors: Chen
authors: B F
authors: BF
authors: Hibbs
authors: E J
authors: EJ
authors: Gangarosa
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003625:Data Collection; D006801:Humans; D017589:Immunization Programs / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D010290:Parents; D012068:Religion and Medicine; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D013219:State Government; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States