Vaccine Exemptions in NC

A vaccine exemption is a special permission that allows you or your child to skip a required vaccine (immunization). In North Carolina, only medical and religious exemptions are allowed. Personal and philosophical beliefs can’t be used for exemptions.

Have questions about vaccines for your children?

As a parent, you want to make the best choices for your children. Doctors recommend vaccines because they protect your child from serious, preventable diseases. Many of these illnesses have no cure, so prevention is the best defense.  

Vaccines are thoroughly tested, and serious side effects are extremely rare. Millions of children are safely vaccinated each year.  

If you have questions, get real answers. Start a conversation with your doctor today.

Medical Exemptions

Some people shouldn’t get vaccines because of a medical condition, like a severe allergy or weakened immune system.  

As defined in North Carolina law, a doctor can ask for a medical exemption from a required vaccine. If you or your child shouldn’t get a vaccine because of a medical condition:

• Your doctor should fill out the NC Medical Exemption Statement Form (PDF). It includes a list of health risks (contraindications) for each vaccine. Your doctor must be licensed to practice medicine in North Carolina.
• Send the completed form to the school, child care center or program. It shouldn’t be sent to the state.

If there’s a health risk that's not listed on the form, your doctor can send a Request for Medical Exemption (PDF) to the State Health Director for approval.

Religious Exemptions

North Carolina law allows people to be exempt from vaccine requirements if they have religious beliefs that conflict with immunization. If you or your child shouldn’t get a vaccine because of religious beliefs, write a statement of objection:

• North Carolina doesn’t have a form or a template for religious exemptions.
• Write a statement for each person who needs an exemption. Include their name, date of birth and the reason for the objection.
• Statements do not need to be notarized, signed by a religious leader or prepared by an attorney.
• Send the statements directly to the school, child care center or program. It shouldn't be sent to the state.

More information

• Find out which vaccines are needed for child care, K-12 schools or college/university.
• Learn more about NC rules and laws on immunizations.