Washington State Vaccine Exemption Guide

What Washington Allows

Washington provides four types of exemptions from school and child care immunization requirements:

1. Medical — Must be signed by an approved healthcare provider.
2. Personal/Philosophical — Does not apply to MMR vaccines. Signature required.
3. Religious — Requires signature unless claiming religious membership.
4. Religious Membership — No signature needed if your religion forbids all medical care.

How to File an Exemption

✅ Step-by-Step

Step 1: Download the official form:

Step 2: Fill it out:

• Choose exemption type(s) for each vaccine
• Parent/guardian signs
• Healthcare provider signs (unless you're using religious membership exemption)

Step 3: Submit the form directly to your school or child care program — not to the state.

Important Note:

• Personal/philosophical exemptions cannot be used for MMR.
• Religious exemptions can be used for MMR.

Who Needs to Sign?

🔏 Healthcare Provider Signature Rules

You need a healthcare provider's signature for:

• ✅ Medical exemptions
• ✅ Personal/philosophical exemptions
• ✅ Religious exemptions

You do not need a provider signature only if you:

• ✅ Claim a Religious Membership Exemption, and
• ✅ Can show you are part of a religion that forbids all medical treatment.

This isn’t about personal belief — it’s about documented religious membership.

Approved signers include:

• MD (Medical Doctor)
• DO (Doctor of Osteopathy)
• ND (Naturopath)
• PA (Physician Assistant)
• ARNP (Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner)

What If Your Doctor Won't Sign?

This happens — often.

Here’s what to do:

1. Don't argue. If they refuse, move on.

“Trying to persuade a gatekeeper who already said no is wasting power.”

2. Call around using this script:

“I’m looking for a provider who will review and sign the Certificate of Exemption form for a personal or religious exemption in Washington. Do you provide that service?”

3. Look for open-minded providers — naturopaths, chiropractors, independent family practices.
4. Still stuck? 👉 Join the Crew »
   We don’t publish a directory publicly, but inside the Crew we help each other find solutions.

Real Parent Experience: DJ

“Honestly, the hardest part wasn’t the state — it was convincing my daughter’s mom. We compromised. We slowed things down. Looking back, I wish I had stood stronger. Thankfully, my daughter is still doing well. I hope someone can learn from this and do it better.”

Thanks to DJ’s story and research, this guide exists.

🎯 Download and Resources

If you want to dig deep into the law: Washington Immunization Laws Overview

🔒 Want to share your state’s info?

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👉 Join the Crew »
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🧭 Need More Support?

• Want to find a vaccine-choice-friendly doctor in Washington? Start here »
• Want to connect with other parents? Join the VaxCalc Forum »

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