The Texas rules have three conditions under which students can ask for an exemption from immunization requirements. The conditions are for medical health reasons, being in the military, or for personal beliefs, like religion.
School and Childcare
This page provides information about School and Childcare.
Whether your child is starting daycare or moving on to college, you'll find all the information needed for vaccinations required by Texas schools, regardless of age.
School and Childcare Vaccine Requirements
House Bill (H.B.) 1586, 89th Legislature, Regular Session passed and amended Health and Safety Code §161.0041.
DSHS revised the Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Chapter 97, §97.62 Exclusions from Compliance and §97.64 Required Vaccinations for Students Enrolled in Health-related and Veterinary Courses in Institutions of Higher Education.
DSHS now posts a blank immunization exemption affidavit form on the Texas Immunization Exemption page for a person to download and submit to their child-care facility, school, or institution of higher education, including health-related or veterinary courses. A person can still request that DSHS mail them the form.
The current process for requesting the form is available on the Texas Immunization Exemption page on the DSHS website. Texas Legislature determines Texas schools' and child-care facilities' immunization requirements. Texas Department of State Health Services sets the requirements and works with the Texas Education Agency to implement those requirements. These rules are meant to keep everyone healthy and prevent the spread of vaccine preventable diseases.
What You Should Know
Texas DSHS dictates requirements for entering public and private schools, colleges and childcare facilities. Each school level has different requirements for children. Ensure you know what is required.
Going back to school is exciting! But to have a safe and healthy year, Texas has laws that require certain vaccines for students. Don't wait until school starts to get age specific vaccines.
Texas Immunization Data
We have data about vaccination in schools across Texas. Data includes how many kids are vaccinated and exempt from vaccines in public and private schools. You can find school data online for the last five years. Data older than five years can be requested through the data request page in the data section of this website.
Flu Information for Childcare Facilities
The flu can still be a deadly disease. Texas DSHS has materials specifically created for daycare and childcare facilities on the signs, symptoms and risks of childhood flu. These materials and more available free of charge from Texas DSHS.