Regarding Vaccination Policies
Resolution text
Resolved, That the Executive Council, meeting in Linthicum Heights, Maryland from June 10-13, 2019, adopts the following policies with respect to the vaccination standards within Episcopal institutions and programs:
All Episcopal institutions, programs, facilities, and services must ensure the safety of participants which should include requiring that all participants and staff participating are vaccinated in accordance with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Immunization Schedule and/or applicable state law; and,
Outside of the United States, local health agencies, ordinances and protocols should be followed in place of the CDC Immunization Schedule in the same spirit of ensuring participants are protected from preventable disease through the use of immunization and the best available medical services and research; and be it further
Resolved, That a participant may be exempted from this vaccination requirement only by presenting a certificate from a licensed physician to the staff stating that due to the physical condition of the participant one or more specified immunizations would endanger the participant’s life or health; and be it further
Resolved, That the coordinator of applicable programs and facilities should review for completeness the immunization records of all participants, staff, and volunteers for the safety of all involved in the program; and be it further
Resolved, That dioceses, parishes, schools, camps, daycare and childcare programs, and other programs at Episcopal facilities or sponsored by Episcopal institutions should strive to ensure funding is available or partner with charities to ensure that vaccinations can be made available so that no child is prohibited from participation due to financial burden of vaccination; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Legal Officer is requested to create a model policy for the church based on this resolution.