Updated 9/1/2021~ Maine law requires every child care program to have on file an updated Certificate of Immunization for every child enrolled in the program. This certificate needs to be in your files within 30 days of admission to your program and updated annually. Under the current law, children are required to have either vaccine administration records, laboratory evidence of immunity, or a physician’s note indicating they are medically exempt for each of these vaccines: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, tetanus, Haemophilus Influenza Type B, Varicella, Hepatitis B and Pneumococcal Conjugate.
Maine child care immunization standards (PDF)
Licensed programs are also required to complete the annual Child Care Facilities Immunization Assessment Survey. The assessment survey, which covers any child who is at least two (2) years of age and not yet attending kindergarten, is web-based (electronic) through survey monkey. If you need a hard copy you can request it from the Maine Immunization Program at ImmunizeME.DHHS@maine.gov or 207-287-3746.
2019 survey, , needs to be completed by November 30, 2019.
To access the electronic survey CLICK HERE.
With ongoing discussion on vaccinations questions have arisen about a providers options regarding taking non-immunized children into care. While a provider is required by the FCC Licensing Rule to maintain records of immunization status (Section 12: Health and Medical), providers have the right to require all children to be immunized and not accept any child into care that is not immunized or planning to follow the recommended immunization schedule. If you choose that policy over what is within current Maine Law, be sure it is clearly stated in your contract/handbook. As a small business you are allowed to have a stricter requirement.
If you have families that do not wish to follow recommended immunizations you must maintain a list of those children. The licensee must also include any provider who is not immunized on this list.
If you have children in care, and/or provider that are not immunized, in the event of a disease outbreak they must be excluded from the program until the outbreak no longer exists or the child gets immunized for that specific disease.
fccamaine.com 