Kentucky
CALLS TO ACTION
SCHOOL VACCINE MANDATES AND YOUR OPTIONS
What Exemptions does your state offer?
Medical and Religious
What is the process to get a religious exemption in your state?
It’s up to each school/school district to decide which they will accept: a written statement (as provided for in KRS 214.036), the official form that CHFS provides (EPID 230A), or either.
Some parents/guardians turn in their own written statement signed in front of a notary. You do NOT have to explain your beliefs or state what religion you follow. Sample statement here.
The state provided form for religious exemptions is EPID 230A “Commonwealth of Kentucky Parent or Guardian’s Declination on Religious Grounds to Required Immunizations.”
This is the form that daycares, preschools, and K-12 schools will require if they will not accept a written sworn statement. The parent or guardian must initial and date beside each vaccine being declined, and sign the form in front of a notary public. Notary services are usually available at banks (often free if you are an account holder), UPS stores, and some libraries.
Kentucky Law Statutes KRS 214.036
Who can add vaccines to the state's childhood schedule, the department of health or the legislature?
The Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS)
What health care can minors consent to on their own?
Married minors under 18 years of age may consent to medical services, if they understand the risks associated with the treatment. Minors may consent to medical services for their children as well as themselves without the consent of their own parents.
Minors may seek diagnosis and/or treatment for sexually transmitted disease, pregnancy, alcohol and/or drug abuse, or addiction. The local health department may treat the minor for sexually transmitted disease, contraception, pregnancy, or childbirth without the consent or notification of the minor’s parent or legal representative. Treatment shall not include inducing of an abortion or the performance of a sterilization operation.
Minors who are victims of a sexual offense may consent to examination by a physician. The consent of the minor’s parent or legal representative is not required for such an examination.