Need to know what vaccines your children will need to go back to school? Starting college or studying veterinary sciences or health care? Learn about which vaccinations you may need.
General Public
This page provides information about General Public.
Making informed decisions about your health and safety is important. Our goal is to provide useful resources for anyone who wants to know more about vaccines.
General Information About Immunizations
Whether you're a concerned parent, getting vaccinated for the first time, or want to learn about vaccination, we provide information about the advantages of vaccination, vaccine safety, and the recommended vaccine schedules. Learn where you can get vaccinated and how to track your vaccines.
National Immunization Awareness Month
Week One (August 4-8): Preteens
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), a time to recognize the importance of vaccines in keeping our communities healthy—especially for preteens. Around ages 11–12, children need important vaccines that protect against serious diseases like meningitis, HPV, and tetanus. These vaccines help build strong immunity before kids are exposed to certain illnesses.
Vaccinating preteens now sets them up for a healthier future and helps prevent the spread of disease in schools, sports, and social settings. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with their child’s healthcare provider to make sure they’re up to date on all recommended vaccines. Staying on schedule with immunizations is a simple but powerful way to protect your child and others. Let’s keep Texas strong, safe and ready for the year ahead!
Check out these resources:
Stakeholders
We encourage community partners and leadership to promote NIAM during the month of August. This can be done through word of mouth, social media posts or materials. Please visit the immunization publication order form to order print materials for free.
Recommendations for each population:
- Pre-teen/Adolescents
- 11-13712: Meningitis Brochure (Bilingual)
- Infants
- 11-11444: “Hepatitis B Vaccine Can Save your Baby’s Life” Brochure (Bilingual)
- 59-12547: “Give the Birth Dose” Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program
- 11-14008: “Prevent Pertussis” Brochure
- Adults
- 11-13710: “Fight the Flu” – Adult Brochure
- Older Adults
- 11-16853: “RSV Postcard”
- 11-12853P: “Vaccinate for Life” Adult Bubbles poster
Quick Links
To get your or your child's immunization record, fill out the Authorization to Release ImmTrac2 History form. Adults should also sign the ImmTrac2 Adult Consent Form, "Forms" on the left side menu. Send the completed forms to ImmTrac2@dshs.texas.gov.
Finding low-cost vaccines for children and adults does not have to be difficult. See if you or your child qualify for either of our low-cost vaccine programs—ASN, for adults 19 years of age and older, or TVFC for children up to age 18.
Established in 1991, the Texas Perinatal Hepatitis B Prevention Program works alongside public and private healthcare providers and coalitions to prevent perinatal hepatitis B transmission.
Vaccine information for parents
Getting vaccinated is a big step for many people. Having all the facts is crucial to learning more about what is in vaccines, how they help protect you and your community, and what diseases vaccines protect against.
Immunization Schedule
CDC recommends the frequencies and types of vaccines depending on a person's age. Vaccine schedules are divided by age categories beginning with birth to 6 years, 7-18 years, and adults. You can also find CDC-recommended vaccines for pregnant women. (External link)