*This story has been updated to include additional context.*
The St. Clair County Health Department has launched a new online portal for parents seeking non-medical immunization waivers, making it the first county in Michigan to offer a fully remote option.
The new system, available through the Health Department’s website, allows parents to receive certified exemptions via email within five business days. While MDHHS policy has long required parents to attend in-person “waiver visits” to receive state-mandated education on vaccines, St. Clair County is now delivering that information digitally.
The move reportedly aims to simplify the process for families. Medical Director Dr. Remington Nevin characterized the traditional face-to-face requirements as “administrative hurdles” that can be difficult for some families to navigate.
However, because the new process diverges from current MDHHS requirements for in-person sessions, it’s not yet known if these remote exemptions will be recognized by state officials. The Health Department maintains that while MDHHS has traditionally mandated face-to-face meetings, the underlying state administrative rule does not explicitly require an in-person visit. Dr. Nevin argues that providing the education and certification digitally fulfills the legal obligation. During a January board meeting, Dr. Nevin noted he “expects legal action and a lawsuit with the State” over the transition.
Parents who use the online portal are still required to submit the resulting paperwork to their child’s school for enrollment. It remains to be seen if school districts will be directed by the state to accept or reject the digital certifications.
For those who prefer the traditional process, the health department says in-person appointments and walk-in services remain available at their main office at 220 Fort Street in Downtown Port Huron.
