Immunization Exemption Education

Notice: Due to a high volume of immunization exemption requests, LCHD will be prioritizing exemptions for students who live in Livingston County and/or attend school in Livingston County. All other exemption requests will not be processed. Please contact your local health department to request an exemption.

Immunization Exemption Process

Effective May 26, 2026, families can now complete the immunization exemption process entirely online. In‑person signature appointments are no longer required.

Follow these steps to complete the immunization exemption process (formerly known as “waivers”):

Complete LCHD’s Virtual Immunization Exemption Education.
Choose one of the three completion options:

- Finish the process virtually – no in-person appointment needed (allow 3 to 5 business days for processing)
- Come in to sign a paper exemption (available by appointment only)
- Speak with a nurse and sign the exemption (available by appointment only)

Note: If you complete the exemption virtually, you do not need to submit anything to your child’s school. Virtual exemptions are automatically available to schools through the MCIR system.

Begin Education

If you have difficulty viewing or completing the virtual education, contact LCHD for an in-person appointment at 517-546-9850.



Plan ahead! Exemptions are available year-round.

Exemptions may be completed at any time within the same calendar year as your child’s school enrollment.



Exemption Record Request

Exemption Guidelines

LCHD is only able to provide nonmedical immunization exemptions for religious and philosophical objections.
- LCHD does not provide immunization exemptions for medical reasons. Contact your child’s health care provider for a medical immunization exemption.
The immunization exemption education is available for children in childcare through high school.
Immunization exemptions are required:
- Annually for childcare
- Before starting Kindergarten
- Before starting 7th grade
- Anytime the student changes school districts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an immunization exemption?

Michigan Public Health Law requires that all infants and children have certain vaccinations or a valid exemption before entering public or private school or licensed childcare settings. These requirements exist to prevent the spread of disease and to prevent injury or death in the community.

Michigan parents/guardians who opt not to fully vaccinate their children before they enter school or childcare must receive education and request an exemption from their local public health department.

Who needs an immunization exemption?

If a child is not up-to-date on their vaccinations, an exemption is required for the child to enroll in:

A licensed childcare
Preschool or Head Start
Kindergarten
Seventh grade
A new school district (or a new charter or private school)

Parents or guardians of school-age children entering other grades and remaining in the same school district do not need to request an exemption at this time, even if their child or children are not fully vaccinated.

Which vaccines are required for enrollment?

Why is immunization exemption education required?

In December, 2014, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules approved an educational requirement for Michigan parents opting their children out of getting vaccinated before entering school. The rule allows parents/guardians to have the opportunity to speak with a health educator from their local health department about their concerns and questions regarding immunizations prior to the nonmedical exemption being signed.

Any parent/guardian who wants to claim a nonmedical exemption will need to receive education regarding the benefits of vaccination and the risks of disease from a Local Health Department (LHD) before obtaining the certified nonmedical exemption form through the LHD. The rule requires the use of the State of Michigan’s official nonmedical exemption form.

Click here to learn more about immunization exemption education.