Vaccine Exemptions
The following information including the exemption packets can be found by copy and pasting this link into your web browser:
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/community-family-child-health/immunizations/
2024-2025 Childcare School Immunization Exemption Information: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024-2025_Childcare-School_Exemption_Application.pdf
2025-2026 Childcare-School Immunization Exemption Information: https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025-2026-Childcare-School-Immunization-Exemption-Application.pdf
Exemption Packets are dated and only valid for the current school year, meaning that they run from August 1st through July 31st. If you receive an exemption for the 2024-2025 school year it will only be valid this year. When school starts back up in August of 2025, you will be required to submit for another exemption.
The exemption packet is only processed in Little Rock at the ADH Central office in the immunizations department. It can take some time to process depending on the demand. The ADH will post the new exemption packets each year around April. You have until the first day of school to get the packet submitted, processed, and have the letter of exemption sent to you. The Immunizations dept will always send the original letter to the address you specified as home in your packet. It is up to you as the parent/guardian to take a COPY to the school for their records.
Once you have a copy of the current exemption packet, you will complete it and have it notarized. PLEASE NOTE: The form requires a signature and seal of a Notary Public.
Complete and mail, fax or email to:
Arkansas Department of Health,
ATTN: Exemptions
4815 West Markham – Mail Slot 48
Little Rock, AR 72205.
FAX: 501-661-2300
Email: immunization.section@arkansas.gov
How do I get a medical exemption for my child regarding a required immunization?
Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed.
An application requesting an exemption must be submitted for each child and for each child care or school the student attends. An application with a notarized signature of the parent or guardian must be submitted each school year to the Department of Health. Outdated or alternate forms are not allowed. Incomplete forms will be returned for completion. Exemptions shall be granted only by the Arkansas Department of Health.
If a child is exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease for which an exemption is chosen, the child should expect to be excluded from childcare or school for 21 days or longer as determined by the Arkansas Department of Health. This is for the protection of the exempted child and the protection of others.
A physician statement outlining medical reasons for an exemption of a specific immunization is to be submitted to the Medical Director of the Immunization Section with the exemption form. The Medical Director will decide whether to grant the medical exemption based on the CDC guidelines.
How do I get a religious or philosophical exemption for my child regarding their required immunizations?
Arkansas law requires all students attending Arkansas schools and licensed childcare facilities to be vaccinated against certain diseases, unless an official exemption form is filed.
An application requesting an exemption must be submitted for each child and for each child care or school the student attends. An application with a notarized signature of the parent or guardian must be submitted each school year to the Department of Health. Outdated or alternate forms are not allowed. Incomplete forms will be returned for completion. Exemptions shall be granted only by the Arkansas Department of Health.
If a child is exposed to a vaccine-preventable disease for which an exemption is chosen, the child should expect to be excluded from childcare or school for 21 days or longer as determined by the Arkansas Department of Health. This is for the protection of the exempted child and the protection of others.
Is there a medical exemption regarding flu vaccinations for nursing home workers?
There is a medical exemption for nursing home employees for flu vaccination. A physician statement outlining medical reasons for an exemption of a specific immunization is to be submitted to the Medical Director of the Immunization Section with the exemption form.
What are the immunization requirements for colleges, schools, and daycares?
https://healthy.arkansas.gov/wp-content/uploads/ImmunizationRequirements.pdf