If a patient or parent refuses recommended vaccinations, is it necessary for them to sign a refusal form, or is the provider’s documentation sufficient?

There is no federal law requiring a refusal form. Several major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have stated that healthcare providers may decide it is in their best interest to formally document a parent’s refusal to accept vaccination for their (minor) child. To read a discussion on this topic and to access a prototype refusal form, see “Record of Vaccine Declination” that can be accessed at www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4059.pdf.