New for 2016! SB 277 and California's New Immunization Requirements

Immunization requirements for students are changing in 2016 and future years as a result of a new law, SB277. We want you to be aware of these changes, and potential impacts.

Families of children who have received all required vaccines will not be affected.

The most significant change is that parents or guardians of students in school or child care, whether public or private, will no longer be allowed to submit a personal beliefs exemption (or PBE) to a currently-required vaccine.

Beginning in January, personal belief exemptions on file for a child already attending child care or school will remain valid until the child reaches the next immunization checkpoint at Kindergarten (including transitional kindergarten), or 7th grade. At that time, all immunization requirements for age and grade will need to be met.

For further information, please go online to http://www.shotsforschool.org which includes a link to the new law and frequently asked questions about the new immunization requirements.

If you have additional questions, please consult your family physician, or telephone the Riverside County Public Health Department Immunization Branch toll free at 888-246-1215.