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Child getting immunization

Immunization Requirements & Exemption Information for Childcare, Preschool, and School Aged Children

Immunizations/Exemption Appts:

Immunizations are one of the most effective measures to protect children from harmful diseases and death. Immunization requirements for school, preschool, and childcare are important to prevent the spread of disease and keep children healthy and in school.

Immunizations required for school/preschool/childcare

Since 1978, Michigan law has required that children be up-to-date with certain immunizations before they can attend:

  • Childcare or preschool

  • 7th Grade or, 

  • Enroll in new district

Click here to review Required Immunizations for Childcare/Preschool.

Click here to review Required Immunizations for School.

It is the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian to provide an up-to-date immunization record, submit a medical immunization exemption – completed by the physician, or complete a valid non-medical immunization exemption – before their child’s first day of care/school.​

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A child who is not compliant with immunization regulations will not be permitted into childcare/preschool/school.

Is your child up-to-date with their immunizations?

You can contact your child’s physician or the Tuscola County Health Department (TCHD) to determine if your child is up-to-date with their immunizations.

You can get your child immunized at:

  • Their doctor’s office (most physicians will do an “immunization only” visit if child was seen in the past year);

  • The TCHD (We also have a program for if the child is uninsured or underinsured)

  • Some pharmacies (call ahead to make sure they carry the vaccines your child needs and accept your insurance). 

Click here to view vaccine preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them for ages birth through 6 years old.

Click here to view vaccine preventable diseases and the vaccines that prevent them for ages 7 through 18 years old.

Medical and Non-Medical Immunization Exemptions (Waivers)

Medical Immunization Exemptions (Waivers):

Children who have a valid medical reason for not being vaccinated – as determined by their doctor –  can have a medical exemption (waiver) completed. To have a medical exemption completed:

  • Have your child’s physician complete this form;

    • A guide to medical contraindications to vaccines can be found here.​

  • Once completed and signed by the physician, submit the form to the school.

Non-Medical Immunization Exemptions (Waivers):

Parents who choose not to vaccinate their children for religious or philosophical reasons or who are choosing to do an alternate or delayed schedule can complete a non-medical immunization exemption (waiver).  

To complete a non-medical immunization exemption (waiver):​

  1. Complete TCHD’s MiWAIV Exemption (Waiver) Pre- Appointment Education online prior to their scheduled appointment.

    • Completing the online Exemption (Waiver) Education will take approximately 30 minutes.​

  2. At the appointment, the exemption will be entered electronically onto your child’s immunization record and you will sign the exemption (electronically).

IMPORTANT: 

  • The Exemption Education and signing of the exemption must be done by the child’s parent or legal guardian.

  • The exemption is not complete until it is signed at the in-person appointment.

Additional Information

If your child is not up to date with the required immunizations for childcare/preschool or school and you are choosing not to vaccinate or you are choosing a delayed/alternate immunization schedule and your child is:

  1. Enrolled in a licensed childcare/preschool facility for the first time.

    • A new exemption needs to be completed for children enrolled in a childcare/preschool facility – each year IF the child ages into a new vaccine that was NOT previously exempted.​

  2. Enrolled in kindergarten - upon their first year of kindergarten

  3. Enrolled in 7th grade

  4. Enrolled into a new school district

Who needs an immunization exemption?

By completing the Immunization Exemption (waiver) Pre-Appointment Education online before your appointment, you can expedite the non-medical immunization exemption process.  At the appointment:

  • The exemption will be entered onto your child’s MCIR (Michigan Improvement Care Registry) record;

  • The parent/legal guardian will sign the exemption electronically;

  • Any questions you have will be answered.

A child who is not compliant with immunization regulations will not be permitted to attend childcare/preschool or school.

If you have difficulty viewing or completing the exemption (waiver) education online or you wish to complete the education in person with TCHD staff, contact TCHD at 989-673-8116.

As of 2/9/2026 you will now need to complete the MIWAIV online education by clicking the above link PRIOR to your exemption (waiver) appointment. Once completed, please call to schedule your exemption (waiver) appointment. 

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