A. Any minor child through the child’s parent or guardian may file with the health authority charged with the duty of enforcing the immunization laws:

Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 24-5-3

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.

(1)     a certificate of a licensed physician, a physician assistant or a certified nurse practitioner stating that the physical condition of the child is such that immunization would seriously endanger the life or health of the child;

(2)     an affidavit or written affirmation from an officer of a recognized religious denomination that the child’s parents or guardians are bona fide members of a denomination whose religious teaching requires reliance upon prayer or spiritual means alone for healing; or

(3)     an affidavit or written affirmation from the child’s parent or legal guardian that the parent’s or legal guardian’s religious beliefs, held either individually or jointly with others, do not permit the administration of vaccine or other immunizing agent.

B. Upon filing and approval of such certificate, affidavit or affirmation, the child is exempt from the legal requirement of immunization for a period not to exceed nine months on the basis of any one certificate, affidavit or affirmation.