Policy 5.06

Health Examinations and Immunizations

1. Health Examinations.

1. Each child who is entitled to admittance to:

1. Prekindergarten;

2. Kindergarten;

3. Grade Seven;

4. Any other initial entrance

shall present a certificate or certification of a school health examination performed within one (1) year prior to enrollment in school.

2. Upon entry a student may have up to thirty (30) school days to present a certificate or certification of school health examination.

3. The District shall include provisions in its school health services plan to assist students in obtaining the health examinations.

4. Any child shall be exempt from the requirements of a health examination upon written request of the parent or guardian of such child stating objections to such examination on religious grounds.

5. Any child entering Palm Beach County schools will have a tuberculin ("T.B.") test as part of the physical examination.

2. Immunizations.

1. Prior to admittance, each child shall present or have on file with the District a Certification of Immunization for the prevention of those communicable diseases for which immunization is required by the Florida Department of Health.

2. Such certification shall be made on forms approved and provided by the Florida Department of Health. Such forms shall become a part of each student's permanent record, to be transferred when the student transfers, is promoted, or changes schools.

3. The immunization provisions of this section shall not apply if:

1. Religious exemption. The parent or guardian of the child objects in writing that the administration of immunizing agents conflicts with his or her religious tenets or practices.

2. Permanent medical exemption. A physician licensed under the provisions of chapter 458 or chapter 459 certifies in writing, on a form approved and provided by the Florida Department of Health, that the child should be permanently exempt from the required immunization for medical reasons stated in writing, based upon valid clinical reasoning or evidence, demonstrating the need for the permanent exemption.

3. Temporary medical exemption. A physician licensed under the provisions of chapter 459, chapter 459, or chapter 460 certifies in writing, on a form approved and provided by the Florida Department of Health, that the child has received as many immunizations as are medically indicated at the time and is in the process of completing necessary immunizations.

4. Florida Department of Health exemption. The Florida Department of Health determines that, according to recognized standards of medical practice, any required immunization is unnecessary or hazardous.

5. District temporary exemption. An authorized school official issues a temporary exemption, for a period not to exceed thirty (30) school days, to permit a child who transfers into Palm Beach County from another county within the State of Florida to attend class until his or her records can be obtained. .

4. Pursuant to § 232.032(4)(b), no member of the Board or any of its employees shall be liable for any injury caused by the administration of a vaccine to any student who is required to be so immunized.

5. The parents or guardians of any child admitted to the District, grades preschool through 12, are responsible for assuring that the child is in compliance with § 232.032, Fla. Stat.

6. The District shall refuse admittance to any child otherwise entitled to admittance to kindergarten, or any other initial entrance, who is not in compliance with the provisions of § 232.032(2), Fla. Stat.

7. The District shall exclude from school any child with an expired temporary medical exemption until documentation of compliance is provided.

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