School Immunization Model Policy

Following are Instructions for Submitting Immunization Records for kindergarten, 6th Grade, and Transfer Students to the South Dakota Department of Health. 

Two options are available to submit immunization records:

Option 1 (Preferred)

Utilizing the SD Immunization Information System (SDIIS):

• Utilize SDIIS to verify adequate immunization. 
• Make a roster, enter child’s name, date of birth and indicate the type of immunization record used. 
  • Note: It is not necessary to print a hard copy long version of the immunization record from SDIIS. 
• Religious and Medical Exemptions need a CURRENT Certificate of Immunization form completed and signed by a parent (religious exemption) or by a physician (medical exemption). Note: Only a licensed physician may sign a medical exemption. 
• As an alternative to the requirement for a physician or parent signature on Certificate of Immunization the child may present: 
  • Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child would be such that immunization would endanger child’s life or health; 
  • or a written statement signed by one parent or guardian stating the child is adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to such immunization. 
• Rosters with COMPLETE information should be sent to your assigned Community Health Nurse no later than Nov 1st of the current school year. 

Sample Roster:

Option 2

Utilizing the Certificate of Immunization form (hard copy/triplicate form):

• Order Certificate of Immunization form from the SD Department of Health. 
• Must use most up to date version received from the SD Department of Health. 
• Follow the guidance on the back of form outlining the required immunizations. 
• Compile a separate roster for kindergarten, 6th-grade, and transfer students. 
• Complete all demographics on form. 
• All immunizations should be documented with a complete date corresponding to the correct Vaccine Type: 
  • E.g.: DTaP/DT 01/18/2007, 03/26/2007, 06/19/2007, 10/17/2013 
• Parents must sign and date their signature on the certificate in the designated box if a child has had the chicken pox. 
• Records need to be signed by the designated school health authority. 
  • Note: It is permissible for a school secretary or a principal to sign. 
• Medical exemption is signed by the student’s doctor. If certification of an immunization form is not available, the parent may submit: 
  • Certification from a licensed physician stating the physical condition of the child would be such that an immunization would endanger the child’s life or health ***Signature from a Nurse Practitioner, Physician’s Assistant or Chiropractor WILL NOT be accepted!*** 
• Religious exemption is signed by the parent. If certification of an immunization form not available, the parent may submit: 
  • A written statement signed by one parent or guardian that the child is adherent to a religious doctrine whose teachings are opposed to such immunization. 
• Philosophical exemptions/personal exemptions are NOT permissible under South Dakota law. 
• Arrange rosters and immunization certificates alphabetically; combine if more than one class. 
• Send rosters and immunization certificates to your assigned Community Health Nurse by Nov 1st of the current school year. 

Transfer Students

• Transfer students are defined as students entering a South Dakota school for the very first time. 
  • E.g.: A child moving to South Dakota from Michigan or a child previously home-schooled and now entering a South Dakota school. 
• Transfer students’ immunization records need to be submitted with same guidelines for kindergarten and 6th grade students. 

Pre-Kindergarten Students or Jr Kindergarten Students

• Currently do not send records for students in these classes to the Department of Health. 
• Collect immunization records for each student and hold in the student’s file until they enter kindergarten the next fall. 
  • Note: If a child moves from Pre-K directly to first grade, they are considered a transfer student. 

Please contact the SD Department of Health Immunization Program 605-773-3737 with any questions. 

Students “In Process” or “Non-Compliant”

The school should set up a system to monitor any student who is in the process of receiving adequate immunization and communicate properly with the family to ensure full vaccination as soon as possible per the South Dakota Department of Health vaccination requirements. If a student is missing a required immunization the parent should be notified immediately by the person in charge of processing immunizations (i.e. clerical, school nurse). They should discuss with the parent the reasons for student not being up-to-date. Barriers may include but are not limited to lack of education, transportation, health care, or funding. The school should work with families to connect them to the proper resources. Schools must continue to work with families to ensure students are up-to-date on their immunizations.