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1994 SESSION


CHAPTER 62
An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-46 of the Code of Virginia, relating to immunization of children.
[H 1280]
Approved March 9, 1994

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 32.1-46 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 32.1-46. Immunization of children against certain diseases.

A. The parent, guardian or person standing in loco parentis of each child within this Commonwealth shall cause such child to be immunized by vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and poliomyelitis before such child attains the age of one year, against Haemophilus influenzae type b before he attains the age of thirty months, and against measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella) and mumps before such child attains the age of two years. All children born on or after January 1, 1994, shall be required to receive immunization against hepatitis B before their first birthday. All children shall also be required to receive a second dose of measles rubeola vaccine in accordance with the regulations of the Board. The Board's regulations shall require that all children receive a second dose of measles (rubeola) vaccine prior to first entering kindergarten or first grade and that all children who have not yet received a second dose of measles (rubeola) vaccine receive such second dose prior to entering the sixth grade. The parent, guardian or person standing in loco parentis may have such child immunized by a physician or may present the child to the appropriate local health department which shall administer the required vaccines without charge.

B. A physician or local health department administering a vaccine required by this section shall provide to the person who presents the child for immunizations a certificate which shall state the diseases for which the child has been immunized, the numbers of doses given, the dates when administered and any further immunizations indicated.

C. The vaccines required by this section shall meet the standards prescribed in, and be administered in accordance with, regulations of the Board.

D. The provisions of this section shall not apply if:

1. The parent or guardian of the child objects thereto on the grounds that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his religious tenets or practices, unless an emergency or epidemic of disease has been declared by the Board, or

2. The parent or guardian presents a statement from a physician licensed to practice medicine in Virginia which states that the physical condition of the child is such that the administration of one or more of the required immunizing agents would be detrimental to the health of the child.