🛡️ New Mexico Religious Exemption Guide

1️⃣ Overview

New Mexico recognizes only one non-medical way to decline vaccines for school or childcare:
a Religious Exemption approved by the Department of Health (DOH).

Under state law (NMSA 24-5-3 and 7.5.3 NMAC), every child attending
public, private, parochial, or home school, plus any daycare or preschool,
must either show proof of full immunization or present an approved religious exemption certificate.

➡️ Personal or philosophical objections are not allowed.

This means even homeschooling families are legally required to obtain DOH approval if their children are of school age (K–12) and not vaccinated.
There is no “automatic freedom” for homeschoolers — they fall under the same statute as everyone else.

2️⃣ 🚨🚨 Why This Matters More in 2025 🚨🚨

The newly passed SB 3 (2025) tightened New Mexico’s alignment with federal vaccine policy:

• The DOH must base all required vaccines on CDC / ACIP / AAP recommendations.
• Parents who “refuse or neglect” vaccination without a valid exemption are technically violating state law.
• Exemptions now depend entirely on DOH approval and expire every 12 months.
• No provision allows local districts or homeschool programs to set their own rules.

In short: religious exemption is the only recognized path to opt out — and you must renew it annually.

3️⃣ Who Can File

• Children 0–18 years in public, private, parochial, or home schools, preschools, or childcare centers.
• A parent or legal guardian must complete and sign the exemption form on the child’s behalf.

4️⃣ How to File a Religious Exemption (Step-by-Step)

1. Get the Official Form
   Download or request the Certificate of Exemption from School/Daycare Immunization Requirements (Revised 2025).
   – Paper copies are available from schools or the NM Department of Health.
2. Fill It Out Completely
   • Use ALL CAPS, print legibly.
   • Check the box for religious exemption.
   • Complete every line (child, school/home-school info, parent info, start date, etc.).
3. Attach Your Religious Statement — choose one of these:
   • Affidavit from a religious officer stating your denomination relies on prayer or spiritual means for healing, or
   • Your own written affirmation that your sincerely held religious beliefs do not permit vaccination.
     (You may use the blank space on the form or attach a separate notarized page — see example below.)
4. Sign Before a Notary Public
   Both your signature and the notary’s must be dated the same day.
5. Submit to the DOH
   New Mexico Department of Health
   Immunization Program
   1190 St. Francis Dr., Suite S-1250
   P.O. Box 26110
   Santa Fe, NM 87502-6110
   You can also drop it off in the Santa Fe Harold Runnels Building drop box.
6. Wait for Review
   The DOH has up to 60 days to approve or deny your request.
7. Deliver the Approved Copy
   Once approved, give a copy to your school or file it with your homeschool records and keep one for yourself.
8. Renew Every Year
   Each certificate expires 12 months from its start date. Submit a new one annually (you may begin filing in January for the next school year).

5️⃣ Homeschool Families — Know the Rules

Many states exempt homeschoolers automatically.
New Mexico does not.

If you file a homeschool notification with the state Public Education Department,
you’re still expected to maintain immunization or an approved exemption record for each child.
Schools, co-ops, and extracurricular programs may request proof of exemption.

➡️ Bottom line: File the same DOH religious exemption form every year — even if your children never set foot in a public classroom.

6️⃣ Example: Writing Your Own Religious Statement

The 2025 form explicitly allows a written affirmation from the parent instead of a church affidavit.
Here’s a legally compliant example you may adapt for your family.

Religious Affirmation for Exemption from Immunization

I, [Parent Full Name], am the parent and legal guardian of [Child Full Name].

In accordance with NMSA 24-5-3 and 7.5.3 NMAC, I affirm that my sincerely held religious beliefs do not permit the administration of vaccines or other immunizing agents to my child.

My faith teaches that the body is a sacred creation and that introducing foreign substances into it violates the will of our Creator and the spiritual law by which we live. I must therefore rely on prayer, natural health practices, and divine guidance for healing and protection.

I submit this affirmation under oath, requesting exemption from all state-required immunizations for my child.

Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________
Date: __________________________

(This statement must be signed in front of a Notary Public on the same day the notary signs.)

Tips

• Keep the tone faith-based, not political.
• Avoid words like safety, science, or personal choice.
• File early, keep copies, and renew annually.

7️⃣ What to Expect

• Approval: You’ll receive a stamped Certificate of Exemption. Keep multiple copies.
• Denial: The DOH must explain why. You may correct and resubmit.
• Outbreak Rule: During a declared outbreak, unvaccinated students (including homeschoolers in group settings) may be temporarily excluded.

8️⃣ Tony’s Take

“They want you scared of the door — scared of being outside the system.
So you’ll fold. Don’t. Walk in knowing you’re willing to walk out.”

The paperwork is their game. File it early, keep copies, stay calm, and remember:
no bureaucrat grants your faith — they only process forms.

9️⃣ Resources

• 📄 Official DOH Form: Certificate of Exemption (Revised 2025)
• ☎️ Questions: 833-882-6454 (New Mexico Immunization Program)
• 🧭 Crew Forum: Join other parents comparing timelines and sharing renewal tips (available to VaxCalc members).

⚠️ Summary

🧭 Final Word

New Mexico’s process is one of the most restrictive in the nation,
but parents who prepare their paperwork carefully, notarize properly, and file on time can still lawfully claim a religious exemption for their children —
whether enrolled in public school, private school, or learning at home.

As Tony says: “Be the one you didn’t have.”

➡️ Next Step

👉 Find a Vaccine-Choice Friendly Doctor in New Mexico

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