🛡 Maryland Religious Exemption Guide

✅ The Law

Maryland law is clear:
Unless the Secretary of Health declares an emergency or epidemic, no child can be forced to get vaccines if the parent objects on the grounds of bona fide religious beliefs and practices.

This applies to:

• Public and private schools (K–12)
• Child care centers
• Even healthcare workers in certain settings (with the same religious exception)

You do not need a doctor’s signature for a religious exemption. The law specifically says the parent’s statement is enough.

📄 The Form You Need

Maryland uses Form MDH 896 (Immunization Certificate).

On the back of this form is the exemption section. For a religious objection, simply:

1. Fill in your child’s information.
2. Date it.
3. Hand it to your child’s school or daycare.

Sign the RELIGIOUS OBJECTION section:

“Because of my bona fide religious beliefs and practices, I object to any vaccine(s) being given to my child. This exemption does not apply during an emergency or epidemic of disease.”

⚠️ Key Details

• The exemption does not apply during a declared emergency or epidemic.
• Some schools may “test” you with extra questions. They are not legally required. The law requires only the signed form.
• For child care centers, the law adds that if you object, you must also provide a simple health history and sign that to the best of your knowledge your child is healthy.

🚨 What if Maryland Declares an “Emergency” or “Epidemic”?

Who Can Declare It

• Only the Secretary of Health — not a school nurse, principal, or pediatrician.
• It must be official and public (news release, state bulletin).

What It Means

• A declaration may suspend the religious exemption temporarily.
• In practice, this usually means exclusion from school — not physical forced vaccination.

Enforcement Reality

• Maryland law does not authorize forced vaccination without parental consent.
• The most common enforcement tool is school exclusion.

🚨 Extra Caution During Emergencies

Reality check:
Some school staff or clinic workers will vaccinate kids even knowing the parent does not consent — because they believe they “know better.”

The Risk

• Schools sometimes run on-site vaccination clinics during emergencies.
• Mistakes happen — and sometimes, so does outright overreach.
• Kids have been vaccinated without parental consent in these settings.

Protection Steps

• Deliver it to the principal, school nurse, and main teacher.
• Keep a copy in your own records.
1. Instruct Your Child.
   • Teach them to say clearly: “My parents do not consent. You must call them first.”
   • Practice it — role-play builds confidence.
2. Know What’s Happening.
   • If a vaccination clinic is scheduled at school, do not send your child unless you are willing to risk unwanted vaccination without consent.
   • Missing a day is safer than undoing a shot that can’t be undone.
3. Crew Up.
   • Share this guide with other parents.
   • A united front makes schools think twice.

Written Letter (No Consent Statement).

Sample Letter

To Whom It May Concern:

I am the parent/guardian of [Child’s Name]. I do not consent to my child receiving any vaccinations under any circumstances without my direct written consent. Any attempt to vaccinate my child without my permission will be treated as assault and a violation of my parental rights.

Signed,
[Your Name]
[Date]

🗣 Tony’s Take

“Don’t get lulled by the word ‘emergency.’ That’s when they cut corners. They set up a clinic in the gym and suddenly every kid’s a target. Some of ‘em will jab your kid even if they know you don’t consent — ‘cause they don’t like you making your own decisions. If they roll out a clinic, don’t gamble. Keep your kid home. That’s how you stay in control.”

🚪 Step-by-Step at School

1. Print and fill out MDH 896.
2. Sign the religious objection section.
3. Attach a short health history if required (child care only).
4. Submit directly to the school office.
5. Keep a copy for your records.
6. During emergencies: Deliver your “No Consent” letter, monitor school plans, and if needed, keep your child home.

📄 Download single-page printable flyer for easy reference and sharing:

➡️ Next Step

👉 Find a Vaccine-Choice Friendly Doctor in Maryland

A supportive doctor can make school paperwork and well-visits far less stressful.