Immunizations are one of the most effective and scientifically proven measures to protect children from harmful diseases and death. Since 1978, Michigan law has required that each student have an up-to-date certificate of immunization at the time of registration (or no later than the first day of school) for entry into kindergarten and 7th grade, and for enrollment into a new school district, grades 1-12.

Michigan schools are required to report immunization information regardless of their mode of instruction. Any student who fails to meet the immunization requirements noted below shall not be admitted or participate in school classes.

For a student to attend school in Michigan, the Michigan Public Health Code requires parent(s)/legal guardian(s) to have one of the following on file with the school:
1. A valid, current immunization record.
[Note: Provisional Status Vaccines. In the event the child has received at least one dose of a required vaccine and the next dose is not yet due, the school is required to follow up with the child to ensure s/he has received the required follow-up doses of the vaccine and is up to date for all other required vaccines.]
2. A medical doctor’s (M.D./D.O.) signed State of Michigan 2022 Medical Contraindication Form, which states the medical contraindication(s), the vaccines involved, and the time during which the child is not able to get the vaccines.
3. A current, certified State of Michigan 2022 Nonmedical Immunization Waiver Form required under Michigan Administrative Rules.
[Note: When a parent or legal guardian holds a religious or other objection that prevents a child from receiving vaccines, a 2022 Nonmedical Immunization Waiver Form is required to be completed, signed, and certified at the local health department. The local health department will provide education from a health professional on the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases and the benefits/potential risks (risks consisting mostly of moderate side effects) of vaccination. Health professionals will address questions and concerns prior to signing the current State of Michigan 2022 Nonmedical Immunization Waiver Form.]

If you have questions about vaccine-preventable diseases or vaccines, please talk to your child's physician or the Genesee County Health Department at 810-237-4546. If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child to receive vaccines at the Genesee County Health Department, please call 810-237-4540 or 810-237-4569, or visit www.gchd.us.

Effective January 1, 2015, a new rule requires parents/guardians who want to claim a nonmedical waiver to receive education from a county health department about the benefits of vaccination and the risks of vaccine-preventable diseases before claiming the waiver.

This does not affect students that are in these categories and were enrolled in 2014. Schools may only accept a certified waiver form from parents if the form:

• Is the most current waiver form (January 1, 2015)
• Is unaltered (no additional language added or language deleted/crossed out)
• Has a certified GCHD stamp or raised seal with the GCHD Burton address
• Has a nurse signature in red ink

The updated waiver forms are available only from a Local Health Department. Please parents call 810-237-4546 if you would like to make an appointment to obtain waiver education at the Genesee County Health Department.

Click here to access Immunization Guidance Documents

DHHS 2022 Immunization Requirements (7/14/22)

For questions or to report an absence, please call your student's office.

GCHD is working directly with your child's school to make Genesee County a healthier place to live. Michigan law requires that schools report the possible occurrence of any communicable disease to the local health department on a weekly basis. To assist your child's school in reporting possible communicable diseases to GCHD and prevent possible outbreaks, please be specific when reporting your child's absence.

When calling in for a child please include the following information:

• A description of the symptoms of the illness (vomiting, fever, rash, etc.)
• The type of illness if known and who identified the illness
• Your telephone number (if no phone, give address)

Please inform the school if any suspected illness is later confirmed by a physician.

Thank you for your cooperation with the school and GCHD.

For more information please visit us at http://www.gchd.us

"HAND WASHING IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT MEANS OF PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF INFECTION.'

Click this link to find the CDC's Guide to Handwashing and other healthy hygiene tips.

Reporting Student Absences

Important Notice to Parents/Guardians from the Genesee County Health Department (GCHD) Regarding Student Absences

GCHD is working directly with your child's school to make Genesee County a healthier place to live. Michigan law requires that schools report the possible occurrence of any communicable disease to the local health department on a weekly basis. To assist your child's school in reporting possible communicable diseases to GCHD and prevent possible outbreaks, please be specific when reporting your child's absence.

When calling in for a child please include the following information:

• A description of the symptoms of the illness (vomiting, fever, rash, etc.)
• The type of illness if known and who identified the illness
• Your telephone number (if no phone, give address)

Please inform the school if any suspected illness is later confirmed by a physician.

Thank you for your cooperation with the school and GCHD.

For more information please visit us at http://www.gchd.us