MMR Vaccine Exemption Law Change

In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed a bill that removes the personal/philosophical exemption to the MMR vaccine requirement for schools and child cares.

The law removed the personal and philosophical option to exempt children from the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine required for school and child care entry.

The law:

• Took effect July 28, 2019.
• Applies to public and private schools and licensed child cares.
• Requires employees and volunteers at child care centers to provide MMR vaccine records or proof of immunity.
• Does not change religious and medical exemption laws. Children who have these types of exemptions on file are not affected by the new law.
• Does not change personal and philosophical exemptions for vaccines other than MMR.

Requested actions

• Medical providers—Make sure students, employees and volunteers are ready for school and childcare with up-to-date vaccinations. Remember you are patients’ most trusted source of information about vaccines.
• School staff—Follow up with the parent or guardian of every child who has a personal/philosophical exemption for MMR vaccine to ensure they are vaccinated before school starts. Refer to a healthcare provider.
• Childcare centers—Make sure employees and volunteers are up to date with MMR vaccine. Follow up with the parent or guardian of every child who has a personal/philosophical exemption for MMR vaccine to ensure they are vaccinated before coming to childcare. Refer to a healthcare provider.