First things first:
California does not offer a religious exemption for vaccines.
That door was slammed shut with SB277.
But here’s what almost nobody tells you…
The IEP Exception
If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the law is different.
California Education Code says: children with IEPs are entitled to their education regardless of vaccination status.
Schools don’t like this.
They send letters. They call. They threaten to kick your child out.
But if your child has an IEP, they’re not allowed to make vaccines a condition of education.
Amy’s Story
“I know California is a losing battle for vax exemptions, but if your child has an IEP (some sort of disability, learning or cognitive ability) they are not allowed to ask for a vaccine record. They do anyway. They send letters and make phone calls threatening that your child won't be allowed to go to school without the necessary shots. I just ignore them and keep sending my child to school. I was asked once from a principal and I said no, you are not supposed to ask because my child has an IEP. It's in Ed code and the law surrounding SB277.”
— Amy, California mom
Amy’s not bluffing. She’s right — it’s in the law.
For deeper details, see this resource:
👉 Educate. Advocate. California SB277 + IEPs ↗️
Important: IEPs Are More Common Than You Think
About 13% of California students already have IEPs.
It’s estimated that 20% of people are dyslexic — and every dyslexic child should qualify for an IEP.
You can also get an IEP for:
- Speech or language delays
- ADHD
- Autism
- Learning disabilities
- Emotional/behavioral challenges
- Developmental delays
👉 If your child qualifies for an IEP, that plan becomes a shield.
It guarantees their right to education — regardless of vaccine status.
Tony’s word on it:
“You think IEPs are rare? They’re not. Schools act like they’re doing you a favor — but the law says otherwise. If your kid qualifies, you grab that IEP with both hands. That paper? It’s leverage. It’s how you keep control, play your own game, and vaccinate your way.”
But Watch Out: Private Schools Play by Different Rules
Here’s a wrinkle most parents don’t hear about: if you place your child in a private school (not the district), that school doesn’t have to honor the IEP.
In that case:
- The IEP isn’t enforceable.
- Your child may only get a limited “Services Plan” (SP) through the district.
- The private school itself has no legal obligation under IDEA to follow or implement the IEP.
Some California private schools are using this loophole to refuse IEP accommodations. For details, see this legal explainer:
👉 Do Private Schools Have to Follow an IEP in California?
So if you’re counting on the IEP shield, make sure you know how it works in both public and private settings.
Tony Weighs In
Tony’s not one for legal code. He cuts to the chase:
“They send the letters. They make the calls. Same game, different uniform. They want you scared of the door, scared of being outside the system, so you’ll fold.
But here’s the play: if your kid’s got an IEP, the law’s on your side. Don’t hand them power they don’t got.”
That’s antifragile.
That’s how you flip the pressure.
🧭 2025 Update — AB 144
Governor Newsom signed AB 144 in 2025, giving the California Department of Public Health more direct authority to update the state’s vaccine schedule and insurance-coverage rules.
👉 This law does not change California’s exemption rules.
Medical exemptions still run through CAIR-ME, and there are still no religious or personal exemptions for school entry.
Your child’s IEP protections remain the same under the California Education Code.
Tony’s take:
“AB 144 gave Sacramento a faster way to change the vaccine playbook without asking parents first.
It doesn’t change exemptions, but it makes the rules murkier.
One list in D.C., another in Sacramento — and parents caught in the middle.
The system says it’s about ‘efficiency.’ I call it confusion with a bow on it.”
Bottom Line for California Parents
- ❌ No religious exemptions allowed.
- ✅ IEP exception: your child’s right to education is protected.
- ⚠️ Schools will try to bluff, threaten, or pressure you.
- 💡 Know the law. Stand firm. Don’t fold.
- Need a doctor who won’t play the compliance game?
👉 Find a vaccine-choice friendly doctor in California ↗️
