COVID-19 School Updates

The COVID-19 vaccine is NOT required at this time for students enrolled in Texas K-12 schools, colleges, universities, or childcare/pre-K facilities. Conscientious exemption affidavits do not include the COVID-19 vaccine, as they only contain exemptions for vaccines required per Rule §97.63 of the Texas Administrative Code. 

To attend Texas schools or daycare facilities, students must be up-to-date or in the process of receiving vaccines for all state-mandated vaccines, or they must have a valid medical or conscientious exemption on file. Conscientious exemption affidavits must be requested from Texas DSHS. Staff process conscientious exemption affidavit requests in the order they are received. Please be advised that high request volumes – especially during back-to-school times – and/or mail delivery times may impact the time it takes for requested affidavits to be delivered.

Note that all conscientious exemption affidavits must be notarized before submission to a school or daycare facility. The notary public must reside in Texas and follow the Texas Secretary of State requirements regarding notary publics. 

School vaccination rules apply regardless of whether education is received via virtual learning or on campus. A list of state vaccine requirements for attending K-12,Pre-K, and childcare facilities is available at the Texas School &Childcare Facility webpage. For a list of providers who offer low-cost vaccines, visit the Texas Vaccines for Children Provider Locator webpage.

For more information regarding COVID-19 school communication resources, please visit the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website.