Health director outlines streamlined vaccine-exemption process and drops small physician subgroup membership
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Summary
Dr. Nevin described a walk-in clerical process and upcoming online system to facilitate statutory vaccine exemptions, and the board approved nonrenewal of a $100 physician-subgroup membership (MAPPP) to signal dissatisfaction with the subgroup's positions.
St. Clair County’s medical director told the advisory board the health department is implementing a simplified, walk-in clerical process for documenting vaccine exemptions consistent with state statutory rights and plans to deploy an online option so residents who cannot visit during office hours can still claim exemptions.
"Residents seeking an exemption will walk into the department... Our clerk can then certify that the individual has received education on the risks... The individual then signs the state waiver form, and our clerks enter it into the computer system," Dr. Nevin said, describing the new process and a standardized education handout staff will use.
Separately, Dr. Nevin recommended nonrenewal of a $100 annual county membership in a physician subgroup of the Michigan Association of Local Public Health, saying he did not feel the subgroup represented county positions on vaccine choice and other matters. The board approved a motion to affirm his recommendation.
Board members noted that other subgroups and statewide organizations still provide useful resources (finance, environmental health, nurse administrator forums) and said nonrenewal of this small physician-subgroup membership would not affect those broader associations that provide operational support.
