RELIGIOUS EXEMPTION UPDATE

Dear ASNC Members,

As you are likely aware, the Governor Lamont signed the Religous Exemption bill into law ending the long-standing religious exemption from immunization requirements for schools last week. The speed with which this bill was signed into law has left school nurse scrambling to answer questions from parents about how this will affect them. On Friday, several ASNC Board Members spoke directly with Mick Bolduc to find answers about how this will affect you and your families. The answer to those questions can be found below. 

Also, please find an FAQ Regarding House Bill 6423 from Shipman and Goodwin written by Jessica Richman Smith, Esq. 

We were told that school nurses can expect an official document from DPH and/or SDE in the next month.

We hope this information is helpful! Thank you for all that you are doing to keep your families and schools safe and healthy!

1. What is the last date that forms can be accepted?

Forms can be accepted if dated on or before April 28th

2. If a student transfers in from another town within Connecticut does the form transfer?

Yes, as long as they were enrolled in kindergarten or higher grade AND had a Religious Exemption form on file with their previous district on, or before, April 28, 2021.

3. If a student had an Out-of-State Religious Exemption form on file in their previous school, can we accept the R.E.  from other states?

 No.

 5. If the student was enrolled in kindergarten through Grade 12 on, or before April 28, 2021, does the Religious Exemption apply for their entire educational time from Kindergarten to Grade 12?

 Yes.

 6. What is the last date that forms can be accepted?

 Forms can be accepted if signed and dated on or before April 28, 2021.

 7. Do parents need to renew their Religious Exemption Form in 7th grade?

 No.

8. If a student has a relgious exemption in a district or non-district Pre-K programe, does the Religious Exemption form apply for entry into K-12?

No.  All incoming Kindergarteners will need to be vaccinated by September, 2022.

9. When does this start?

The law went into effect on April 28, 2021. If a child was not enrolled in kindergarten on or prior to April 28, 2021, they will need to begin the process of becoming vaccinated to be in compliance with the law by September, 2022.