New Mexico Clarifies Vaccination Exemption Covers Only Religious, Not Philosophical, Objections

New Mexico Statutes 24-5-3 provides an exemption for school children from immunization requirements if the child's parents file an affidavit that the child's "religious beliefs, held either individually or jointly with others, do not permit the administration of vaccine or other immunizing agent."  According to Tuesday's Santa Fe New Mexican, the New Mexico Department of Health has changed the form that parents must file to make clear that philosophical, rather than religious, beliefs are not a basis for exemption.  The new form specifically requires parents to state their religious belief.  Officials have become concerned over rising exemption rates and an increase in vaccine-preventable disease.