The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) launches a new process for pediatric medical exemptions. Physicians will now need to use the California Immunization Registry – Medical Exemption website (CAIR-ME) to request, issue, manage, and track medical exemptions from required immunizations for children in child care/preschool and school (grades K-12).
Medical exemptions for children can only be issued using the CAIR-ME website. MDs and DOs licensed in California can register to use CAIR-ME at any time in order to issue a medical exemption. Instructions are available on CAIR-ME along with on-screen prompts. You can also watch a webinar and review slides on how to register and use CAIR-ME.
Please note that documents such as written letters and lab results about immunity do not suffice for school and childcare entry. Schools and child care facilities can only accept immunization records or a medical exemption for immunizations issued through CAIR-ME.
For more information about immunizations required for childcare and school entry, click
If you have questions, please email medicalexemptions@cdph.ca.gov.
