New Mexico allows vaccination exemptions for religious and medical reasons. Those who wish to have their child exempt from immunization must file a form with the health authority,
according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
For medical exemptions, a duly licensed physician may provide a certificate stating reception of the injection would seriously endanger the life or health of the child.
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Two routes may be taken for religious exclusions. An officer of a recognized religious denomination may provide an affidavits or written affirmation that the child’s parents or guardians are bona fide members of the religious organization. Additionally, the statement must also state religious teachings require only prayer or spiritual measures to be used for healing.
The second option is to have an affidavit or written affirmation from a parent or legal guardian stating his or her religious beliefs held individually or jointly with others do not allow for the reception of vaccinations.
The Department of Health has 60 days to review the request. If approved, parents will receive two copies of the approval form to keep and give to the child’s school.
If the department does not approve the request, information will be sent to the guardians on how to set up a meeting with the Department of Health if they wish to protest the decision.
Under New Mexico law, neither personal nor philosophical reasons may provide an individual with an exemption, according to the Department of Health.
Many argue, however, the third way to exempt a child with a religious statement from a parent or guardian looks similar to a personal reason, and for that reason, state legislators are looking into removing it,
according to KOB-TV.
Exemptions have increased by 17 percent since 2012,
Las Cruces Sun-News reported.
Of the 3,335 exemptions in the state, 60 percent are due to the third category exemption, according to KOB-TV.
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