Know your rights

Vaccine exemptions in all 50 states

Every state recognizes a medical exemption, but religious and philosophical exemptions vary dramatically depending on where you live. Explore the map to see what is available in your state.

51 States & D.C. covered — all allow medical exemptions
46 Allow religious exemptions
16 Allow philosophical exemptions
5 Medical exemption only

Interactive map

Exemptions by state

Alaska: Medical + Religious Maine: Medical only Vermont: Medical + Religious New Hampshire: Medical + Religious Washington: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Idaho: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Montana: Medical + Religious North Dakota: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Minnesota: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Illinois: Medical + Religious Wisconsin: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Michigan: Medical + Religious + Philosophical New York: Medical only Connecticut: Medical only Massachusetts: Medical + Religious Oregon: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Nevada: Medical + Religious Wyoming: Medical + Religious South Dakota: Medical + Religious Iowa: Medical + Religious Indiana: Medical + Religious Ohio: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Pennsylvania: Medical + Religious + Philosophical New Jersey: Medical + Religious Rhode Island: Medical + Religious California: Medical only Utah: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Colorado: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Nebraska: Medical + Religious Missouri: Medical + Religious Kentucky: Medical + Religious West Virginia: Medical only Virginia: Medical + Religious Maryland: Medical + Religious Delaware: Medical + Religious Arizona: Medical + Religious + Philosophical New Mexico: Medical + Religious Kansas: Medical + Religious Arkansas: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Tennessee: Medical + Religious North Carolina: Medical + Religious South Carolina: Medical + Religious District of Columbia: Medical + Religious Oklahoma: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Louisiana: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Mississippi: Medical + Religious Alabama: Medical + Religious Georgia: Medical + Religious Hawaii: Medical + Religious Texas: Medical + Religious + Philosophical Florida: Medical + Religious

Click a state to see the exemptions it recognizes; it stays selected until you pick another. Click a legend key to isolate a category.

This map is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal or medical advice. Exemption laws change frequently and are subject to litigation and agency rulemaking. Verify current requirements with your state health department or a qualified attorney.