The 2026-27 school year will soon begin in Tennessee; for some districts, it has already started. State law requires each child to have a certificate of immunization on file with their school in order to attend, but there are some cases in which a parent can exempt their child from vaccine requirements.
Nationally, the number of kids entering kindergarten who are receiving immunization exemptions is rising, according to the Center for Disease Control. During the 2024-25 school year exemptions from one or more vaccine rose to 3.6%, compared to 3.3% the previous year.
In Tennessee, the number of kindergartners filing for vaccine exemption was about on par with the national average. In the 2024-25 school year 3.5% of kindergartners in the state were
not fully immunized, according to the Tennessee Department of Health.
Students can qualify for either a medical or religious vaccine exemption. Here's what to know as the school year starts up.
How to request a religious exemption in Tennessee
Parents or guardians seeking a religious exemption for their child are required to submit a signed statement asserting vaccinations go against their religious beliefs.
If seeking a religious exemption, parents must check a box in the upper right-hand corner of the certificate of immunization.
A child who is not fully immunized for religious reasons might be subject to providing documentation of a required health examination. Religious exemptions are determined by local school policy, according to the Department of Health.
How to request a medical exemption in Tennessee
Parents or guardians seeking a medical exemption for their child are required to submit proof from a physician or public health nurse that the child should be medically exempt due to risk or harm from a vaccine.
The medical reason for the exemption does not need to be provided and vaccines the child is not medically exempt from are still required.
Vaccinations required for school in Tennessee
If a child is entering preschool
- Chickenpox
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
- H. Influenzae and Pneumococcal, if under five years old
- Hepatitis A and B
- Measles mumps rubella
- Poliomyelitis
If a child is entering kindergarten:
- Chickenpox, two doses or a history of the disease.
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis
- Hepatitis A, two doses. Hepatitis B.
- Measles mumps rubella, two doses of each.
- Polio, second dose must be administered on or after fourth birthday.
If a child is entering seventh grade:
- Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis booster
- Verification of immunity to varicella, two doses or history of disease.
This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee school vaccine requirements: What students need and exemption rules
