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 new law removes 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:

  • Takes 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.

More Information for Schools and Childcares

FAQs for Providers, Schools and Child Cares

Adapted from the Washington State Department of Health. Learn more on the Department of Health website