Vaccination Policy for DFMS Youth Events
Resolution text
Resolved, That the recommendation of the Joint Standing Committee on Mission Within the Church, to adopt a policy on vaccination for DFMS youth events, is approved, as follows:
2020 Model DFMS Vaccination Policy for Youth Events:
In response to the Executive Council resolution of June 2019, the DFMS has developed a model vaccination policy for its youth events, which dioceses and Episcopal institutions are encouraged to adapt locally. The primary purpose of this policy is to ensure the safety of all children at Episcopal Church youth events.
All participants, chaperones, volunteers and staff persons who are 18 years and younger at youth events sponsored by the DFMS shall be required to be vaccinated in accordance with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Immunization Schedule.
All chaperones, volunteers and staff persons who are 19 years and older at youth events sponsored by the DFMS are required to have the following vaccinations: Tdap (every 5-10 years) and the current flu vaccine (during flu season).
Prior to participation at any DFMS youth event, all participants, chaperones, volunteers and staff persons must submit a certification stating that they are in compliance with the vaccination schedule or vaccinations listed above. In the case of a minor, such certification must be signed by a licensed physician, a parent, or a legal guardian. In the case of an adult, such certification must be signed by the adult or by a licensed physician.
A participant, chaperone, volunteer or staff person may be exempted from this vaccination requirement only by presenting a certificate from a licensed physician to the event staff stating that, due to the physical condition of the individual, one or more specified immunizations would endanger the individual’s life or health. Claims of religious or philosophical exemption from vaccination shall not be recognized.
The DFMS commits to ensure that funding is available or to partner with charities to ensure that vaccinations can be made available so that no child is prevented from participation due to the financial burden of vaccination.