What vaccinations are required to attend school in Texas and can parents say no?
Add this to your back-to-school to-do list — Texas students are required to show evidence of vaccination prior to attending any school or childcare facility.
Here’s what to know about what vaccines are required and whether parents can choose not to vaccinate students.
What vaccines are required in Texas?
Texas law requires that students be fully vaccinated against the following diseases:
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis: 4 or 5 doses required for K-6 grades. Three doses and one booster within the last five years for 7th grade. Three doses and one booster within last 10 years for 8-12 grades.
Polio: Three or four doses for K-12 grades.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella: Two doses are required for K-12th.
Hepatitis B: Three doses are required.
Varicella (chickenpox): Two doses are required for K-12th grades.
Meningococcal: One dose is required for for 7th — 12th grades.
Hepatitis A: Two doses are required for K-12.
For childcare and pre-k facilities, children must get the haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine, with doses depending on their age.
Who is exempt from vaccine requirements in Texas?
Texas law allows for:
- Physicians to write medical exemption statements clearly stating a medical reason exists and the person cannot receive specific vaccines. This is submitted to the school and is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician.
- Parents/guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. They sign an official exemption affidavit and submit to school.
There is no exemption allowed because of inconvenience.
