The Arizona Religious Beliefs form is a document that allows parents to request an exemption from immunization for their children based on religious beliefs. Arizona law mandates that this official form be used by preschools and child care facilities to ensure compliance while respecting parental rights. If you need to fill out this form, click the button below.
The Arizona Religious Beliefs form is an important document for parents and guardians who wish to exempt their children from mandatory immunizations due to religious convictions. This form, required by Arizona law for preschools and child care facilities, acknowledges the rights of families who adhere to faith-based teachings that oppose vaccination. By completing this form, parents can formally request an exemption for specific vaccines while also being informed of the potential health risks associated with not immunizing their children. The form lists various diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and more, and outlines the serious health implications that may arise if a child is not vaccinated. Parents must indicate their choice by placing an “X” next to the relevant vaccines and initialing to confirm their understanding of the risks involved. It is also essential to note that if there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, children without proof of immunity may be prohibited from attending child care facilities until the outbreak is resolved. This form not only reflects the balance between individual beliefs and public health but also emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making for the well-being of children.
Arizona law requires that preschools and child care facilities use this official ADHS form to document a religious beliefs exemption to immunization.
Religious Beliefs Exemption Form
For Child Care, Preschool and Head Start Programs
Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) strongly supports immunization as one of the easiest and most effective tools in preventing diseases that can cause serious illness and even death. ADHS also respects the rights of parents who are raising their child in a religion whose teachings are in opposition to immunization to make the decision not to vaccinate their child.
Place an “X” in the box to the left of the disease(s) listed to exempt your child from the vaccine. Initial and date the box on the right.
Diphtheria (DTaP, Tdap, Td): I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased risk
Initials___________
of developing diphtheria if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include: heart failure,
paralysis (can’t move parts of the body), breathing problems, coma, and death.
Date____________
Tetanus (DTaP, Tdap, Td): I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased risk of
developing tetanus if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include: “locking” of the jaw,
difficulty in swallowing and breathing, seizures (jerking and staring), painful tightening of muscles in the head and neck,
and death.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) (DTaP, Tdap): I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at
increased risk of developing pertussis (whooping cough) if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this
disease include: severe coughing fits that can cause vomiting and exhaustion, pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring),
brain damage, and death.
Polio: I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased risk of developing polio if
exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include: paralysis (can’t move parts of the body),
meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), permanent disability, and death.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased
risk of developing measles, mumps, and/or rubella if exposed to these diseases. Serious symptoms and effects of
measles include: pneumonia, seizures (jerking and staring), brain damage, and death. Serious symptoms and effects of
mumps include: meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries,
sterility, deafness, and death. Serious symptoms and effects of rubella include: rash, arthritis, and muscle or joint pain. If a
woman gets rubella while she is pregnant, she could have a miscarriage or her baby could be born with serious birth
defects such as deafness, heart problems, and brain damage.
Haemophilus Influenza type b (Hib): I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at
increased risk of developing Hib if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include:
meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord covering), pneumonia, severe swelling in the throat that makes it hard to
breathe, infections of the blood, joints, bones, and covering of the heart, and death.
Hepatitis B: I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased risk of developing
hepatitis B if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include: jaundice (yellow skin or
eyes), life-long liver problems, such as scarring and liver cancer, and death.
Hepatitis A: I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased risk of developing
hepatitis A if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include: jaundice (yellow skin or
eyes), “flu-like” illness, hospitalization, and death.
Varicella (Chickenpox): I have been informed that by not receiving this vaccine, my child may be at increased risk of
developing varicella (chickenpox) if exposed to this disease. Serious symptoms and effects of this disease include: severe
skin infections, pneumonia, brain damage, and death.
Due to my religious beliefs, I request an exemption for my child from the required vaccine doses selected above. I am aware that if I change my mind in the future, I can rescind this exemption and obtain immunizations for my child.
Initials_________________________
I am aware that additional information about vaccine preventable diseases, vaccines and reduced or no cost vaccination services is available from my local county health department and Arizona Department of Health Services (www.azdhs.gov/phs/immun/).
I am aware that in the event the state or county health department declares an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease for which I cannot provide proof of immunity for my child, he or she may not be allowed to attend child care until the risk period ends, which may be 3 weeks or longer.
Child’s Name ______________________________________________________ Date of Birth (month/day/year)__________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature____________________________________________ Date (month/day/year)_________________________________
ADHS Immunization Program Office
http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/immunization/
July 1, 2013 (rev: 9/1/18)
Filling out the Arizona Religious Beliefs form is an important step for parents seeking an exemption from immunizations for their child based on religious beliefs. This process requires careful attention to detail to ensure that all necessary information is accurately provided. Below are the steps to guide you through completing the form.
Once you have completed these steps, the form should be submitted to your child’s preschool or child care facility. It is advisable to keep a copy for your records. If you have any questions or need assistance, consider reaching out to your local health department for further guidance.
The Arizona Religious Beliefs form is an official document required by Arizona law for parents who wish to exempt their children from immunizations due to religious beliefs. This form must be used by preschools and child care facilities to document these exemptions.
Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious diseases. Vaccines protect not only the vaccinated individual but also contribute to community immunity, which helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to medical reasons. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) strongly supports immunization as a critical public health measure.
When completing the form, parents must:
Choosing not to vaccinate can increase the risk of your child contracting serious diseases. Each vaccine listed on the form has associated risks, including severe illness, complications, and even death. Parents should carefully consider these risks when deciding to exempt their child from vaccinations.
Yes, parents have the option to rescind the exemption at any time in the future. If you decide to obtain vaccinations for your child later, you can do so without penalty.
If a state or county health department declares an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, children without proof of immunity may be prohibited from attending child care or preschool until the risk period ends. This period can last for three weeks or longer, depending on the specific disease.
Additional information about vaccine-preventable diseases, vaccines, and low-cost vaccination services can be obtained from your local county health department or the Arizona Department of Health Services. Their website provides valuable resources and guidance for parents.
The completed Arizona Religious Beliefs form should be submitted to the child care facility or preschool where your child is enrolled. Ensure that all sections are filled out accurately to avoid delays in processing your exemption request.
Neglecting to Read Instructions Thoroughly: Many individuals overlook the importance of carefully reviewing the instructions provided on the form. This can lead to incomplete or incorrect submissions.
Failing to Initial and Date Each Section: Each vaccine listed on the form requires initials and a date. Skipping this step can result in the form being deemed invalid.
Not Marking the Appropriate Boxes: It’s crucial to place an “X” in the box next to each vaccine for which an exemption is requested. Omitting this can lead to misunderstandings about which vaccines the exemption applies to.
Using Incorrect Child Information: Providing inaccurate details about the child, such as name or date of birth, can create complications and delays in processing the exemption.
Ignoring the Risks Associated with Non-Immunization: The form includes warnings about the risks of not vaccinating. Failing to acknowledge these risks might result in misunderstandings about the implications of the exemption.
Not Providing a Signature: The parent or guardian must sign the form. Forgetting to do this can render the application incomplete and unprocessed.
Overlooking Additional Information: The form mentions that further information about vaccines is available. Ignoring this could prevent parents from accessing valuable resources and support.
Failing to Understand Potential Consequences: Some may not realize that if there is an outbreak of a vaccine-preventable disease, their child may be excluded from childcare. Understanding this is critical for making an informed decision.
The Arizona Religious Beliefs form is an important document for parents seeking an exemption from immunizations based on their religious convictions. Alongside this form, several other documents may be needed to ensure compliance with state regulations and to facilitate the enrollment of children in educational and childcare settings. Here is a list of related forms and documents that may be required or useful in conjunction with the Arizona Religious Beliefs form.
Gathering these documents can help streamline the enrollment process and ensure that all necessary information is readily available. Being prepared can ease the transition for both parents and children into new educational environments.
The Arizona Medical Exemption Form is similar to the Arizona Religious Beliefs form in that both documents allow parents to opt-out of immunizations for their children. While the Religious Beliefs form is based on personal or religious convictions, the Medical Exemption Form is specifically for children who have medical conditions that contraindicate vaccinations. Parents must provide documentation from a licensed healthcare provider to validate the medical reasons for the exemption. Both forms require signatures and acknowledgment of the risks associated with not vaccinating.
The Arizona Immunization Record is another document related to the Arizona Religious Beliefs form. This record serves as an official log of the immunizations a child has received. Parents may use this document to track their child's vaccination history, which is essential for schools and childcare facilities. Unlike the Religious Beliefs form, the Immunization Record does not allow for exemptions but rather provides proof of compliance with vaccination requirements. It is crucial for parents to maintain accurate records to avoid complications with school enrollment.
The Health History Form for Child Care is also comparable to the Arizona Religious Beliefs form. This document collects comprehensive health information about a child, including vaccination history and any medical conditions. While it does not specifically address exemptions, it provides childcare providers with essential information to ensure the child's safety and well-being. Parents must complete this form to enroll their child in a childcare program, and it may prompt discussions about vaccination status and exemptions.
The Consent for Medical Treatment form is another relevant document. This form grants permission for healthcare providers to administer medical care to a child in the absence of a parent or guardian. It may include provisions for vaccinations unless a parent has submitted a Religious Beliefs or Medical Exemption Form. The Consent for Medical Treatment form emphasizes the importance of parental involvement in healthcare decisions, similar to the Religious Beliefs form, which requires parents to actively choose their child's vaccination path.
The School Enrollment Form often requires parents to provide information about their child's immunization status. This document is essential for school registration and may include a section for parents to indicate if they are claiming a religious exemption. While the School Enrollment Form does not serve as an exemption request itself, it is closely linked to the Religious Beliefs form, as schools must comply with state vaccination laws while also respecting parental rights to opt-out.
The Child Health Assessment form is similar in that it assesses a child's overall health, including vaccination status. This document is typically required for school entry and may prompt discussions about immunizations. While it does not specifically address exemptions, it provides a comprehensive overview of a child's health, which can include the implications of not vaccinating. Parents may need to complete this form to ensure their child meets health requirements for school attendance.
Finally, the Arizona Department of Health Services Vaccine Information Statement is relevant as it provides detailed information about vaccines, including their benefits and potential risks. While this document does not serve as an exemption form, it educates parents about immunizations, helping them make informed decisions. Understanding the information in this statement can be crucial for parents who are considering filing a Religious Beliefs exemption, as it outlines the importance of vaccines in preventing serious diseases.
When filling out the Arizona Religious Beliefs form, it is essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do during this process.
Understanding the Arizona Religious Beliefs form is essential for parents navigating immunization exemptions. However, several misconceptions often arise regarding this form. Here are seven common misunderstandings:
Being informed about these misconceptions can help parents make better decisions regarding their child's health and education.
When filling out the Arizona Religious Beliefs form, consider the following key takeaways: