Ohio Vaccine Laws & Exemptions
Understand the law. Know your options. Make informed decisions for your family, education, and work.
Find Information Relevant to You
Ohio law provides different protections depending on the setting, the type of vaccine requirement, and the circumstances of the individual. Understanding these distinctions is the first step toward knowing your options.
OHIO VACCINE LAWS
Child Care & Preschool
Understanding immunization requirements, exemptions, and parental options under Ohio law.
Ohio Revised Code 5104.014
Ohio law establishes immunization documentation requirements for children attending covered child care programs. The statute also recognizes circumstances in which a child may be exempt from immunization requirements.
What Parents Should Know
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Covered programs generally require immunization documentation within 30 days of enrollment and every 13 months thereafter.
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The law recognizes medical contraindications and parental reasons of conscience, including religious convictions.
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The medical statement must provide a place for parents to indicate that they have declined immunization.
Important Distinction
An exception to a statutory immunization requirement does not automatically establish a right to admission at every private child care provider.
Private child care providers maintain the right to deny enrollment to children who have not been immunized (whether they are missing one, several, or all required vaccines).
Providers are required to disclose their specific policies in writing. Consequently, their official "policies and procedures" must explicitly state their stance on the "care of children without immunizations," including whether or not they accept exemptions.
What About Preschool Programs?
Ohio preschool programs may be subject to additional regulations depending on how the program is licensed or operated.
Ohio Administrative Code 5180:2-20-08 addresses medical and immunization documentation for covered preschool programs.
OHIO VACCINE LAWS
K - 12 Schools
Understanding school immunization requirements, recognized exemptions, and parental rights under Ohio law.
Ohio Revised Code 3313.671
Ohio establishes immunization requirements for students attending covered elementary and high schools, while recognizing exemptions under state law.
Recognized Exemptions
Reasons of Conscience, Including Religious Convictions
A parent or guardian may submit a written statement declining immunization for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions.
Medical Contraindications
A physician may certify in writing that a particular immunization is medically contraindicated for the student.
Documented Natural Disease
A signed statement documenting previous measles, mumps, or chickenpox may satisfy the corresponding disease-specific exception.
School Enrollment & Documentation
Under ORC 3313.671, students generally have 14 days after initial entry or the beginning of the school year to provide required immunization evidence, demonstrate that immunization is in progress, or establish an applicable exemption.
OHIO VACCINE LAWS
College & University
Understanding campus immunization policies, student disclosure requirements, and protections under Ohio law.
Ohio Laws That Students Should Know
ORC 3345.85 & ORC 1713.55
Meningitis & Hepatitis B Disclosure
Students seeking on-campus housing at covered public or nonprofit institutions must disclose their vaccination status for meningococcal meningitis and hepatitis B. Disclosure is not the same as a statutory requirement to receive these vaccines.
ORC 3792.04
Restrictions on Certain Vaccine Mandates
Ohio public universities cannot require vaccines lacking full FDA approval or discriminate against individuals based on not receiving those vaccines. The statute contains an exception for affiliated hospitals and healthcare facilities.
INSTITUTIONAL POLICIES
University-Specific Exemptions
Colleges may establish additional immunization policies. Students should review their institution's requirements, exemption procedures, and any special conditions for clinical programs.
OHIO & FEDERAL EMPLOYMENT LAW
Workplace Vaccine Rights
Understand workplace vaccination policies, religious and medical accommodations, and your options under applicable law.
Laws That Protect Employees
TITLE VII OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT
Religious Accommodations
Covered employers must reasonably accommodate sincerely held religious beliefs that conflict with workplace vaccination requirements unless doing so would impose an undue hardship. Religious beliefs need not belong to an organized religion.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
Disability-Related Accommodations
Employees with qualifying disabilities may request adjustments to vaccination policies. Employers must assess accommodation requests individually under applicable ADA standards.
Steps for Requesting an Accommodation
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Obtain a copy of your employer's vaccination and accommodation policies.
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Explain the religious or disability-related conflict and request an accommodation.
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Participate in discussions about reasonable alternatives.
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Keep copies of your request, correspondence, and decisions.
Important Legal Distinction
An accommodation request does not guarantee approval of a specific alternative. Employers must evaluate applicable legal obligations, individual circumstances, and undue hardship.