Vaccine Exemptions for Students 18+ H597

Did you know that as of right now, high school seniors lose their vaccine exemptions as soon as they turn 18 years old? Or that Idaho universities aren’t required to provide any immunization exemptions to students, even for religious reasons?

This bill addresses that oversight in current legislation and would prevent the state from coercing individuals into violating their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs in order to continue their education.

HB 597 provides immunization exemptions for state colleges and university and for high school students who are 18.

There is obviously a gap in Idaho law which HB 597 gives the legislature the opportunity to remedy. It is an inherent right and is supported by ID law that a parent makes health care decisions for their child. When a person reaches majority age that decision-making and ownership shouldn’t then transfer to high school or college administrators. The new adult should not then lose rights because they become of majority age. The decision to receive vaccinations is now inherently the right of the adult and should be supported by ID law.
Miste Karlfeldt, Executive Director of Health Freedom Idaho

BILL PURPOSE

This legislation is intended to address two issues. The first is the 12th grade immunization requirement for
which there is no exemption when a student is age 18 during their 12th grade school year. The requirement can be found in IDAPA 16.02.15.100.06.c. The second is to prevent colleges and universities in the state of Idaho from infringing on the privacy rights of students by requiring vaccination status or the disclosure of confidential medical information as conditions of enrollment or attendance. The exemptions currently described in §39-4802, §39-1118, and IDAPA 16.02.15.110 apply only to minor children and require parent or legal guardian signature.

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Support H597 to protect the rights of Idaho students beyond the age of 18. Every individual should have the right to make informed choices about their own health without fear of discrimination or invasion of privacy. Contact your representatives now and urge them to vote YES on H597!