Immunization and Religious Education of Minors

Each of our parishes and the Archdiocese of Baltimore affirm our collective commitment to providing religious education, including Vacation Bible School, with the safety and well being of all children as our primary focus. With the increased focus on communicable diseases, such as measles, questions have been raised if children must be immunized in order to participate in religious educations programs. It is the position of the Archdiocese of Baltimore that immunization is not required  in order to participate in religious education classes. Maryland law requires a parent or guardian to  provide evidence their child has met the State required immunizations or a statement of exemption from immunization in order to attend school. Maryland law allows exemptions on the basis of medical and religious exemptions.  Rather than requiring evidence of immunization for each child participating in religious education, the Archdiocese of Baltimore and our parishes are to provide the attached Notice of Non Verification of Immunization as part of the enrollment materials for religious education programs.

Click here to download the Notice of Non Verification of Immunization.

If you have any questions, please send your inquiry to the Office the Risk Management at riskmanagement@archbalt.org.