Immunization Schedule
2024-2025 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for K - 12 (English/Spanish)
- Letter to Parents - Required K-12 Immunizations
- Letter to Parents - Required 7th Grade Immunizations
2025-2026 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for K - 12 (English/Spanish)
- Letter to Parents - Required K-12 Immunizations
- Letter to Parents - Required 7th Grade Immunizations
Each student shall be fully immunized against diptheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, and poliomyelitis, unless exempted under applicable law. The Texas Department of State Health Services (“TDSHS”) may modify or delete any of these immunizations or may require immunizations against additional diseases as a requirement for admission to any elementary or secondary school. Education Code 38.001(a), (b).
Students in kindergarten through twelfth grade shall have the following additional vaccines, according to the immunization schedules set forth in TDSHS regulations: pertussis, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and varicella (chickenpox). TDSHS requires students enrolling in seventh through twelfth grades to have one dose of meningococcal vaccine on or after the student’s 11th birthday. 25 TAC 97.63.
Under Health and Safety Code Chapter 81, Subchapter E, additional vaccinations may be required by TDSHS and/or the local health authority in specific situations under the mechanism of a control order containing control measures. 25 TAC 97.72.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccination
The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine every season. In addition to the flu vaccine for adults, teens, and children, there are flu vaccines approved for different groups:
- Pregnant women
- Older adults (65 years and older)
- Small children
- People with chronic conditions
The flu vaccine is especially important for people with chronic health conditions and those who have a high risk of developing complications from the flu. If you have questions about which vaccine is best for you, talk to your doctor or other healthcare professional.
Since infants younger than six months cannot be vaccinated against the flu, it’s crucial that the people around them get the flu shot for the baby’s health.
It cannot be said often enough—the flu shot does not cause flu illness.
Where Can I Get a Flu Vaccine?
Flu vaccines are offered in many doctor’s offices and clinics. Even if you don’t have a regular doctor or nurse, you can get a flu vaccine somewhere else like a health department, pharmacy, urgent care clinic, college health center, and even in some schools and workplaces.
To find a flu vaccine near you, please visit www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
Alternatively, Texans can call 2-1-1 or visit 211Texas.org to find information on vaccine availability from local public health departments and other nearby non-profit organizations.
Vaccines for Preteens and Teens: What Parents Should Know
In the 86th Legislature, HB 3884 required DSHS to create procedures for school districts to provide information relating to bacterial meningitis to students and parents. DSHS shall prescribe the form and content of the information.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the covering of the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. Viral meningitis is the most common and the least serious form. Bacterial meningitis is the most likely form to cause serious, long-term complications. It is an uncommon disease but requires urgent treatment with antibiotics to prevent permanent damage or death.
Multiple organisms can cause bacterial meningitis. Two common types are Streptococcus pneumoniae, with more than 80 serogroups that can cause illness, and Neisseria meningitidis, with five serogroups that most commonly cause meningitis.
Meningitis vaccines must be given before 7th grade. Most pediatricians give this vaccine at 11-12 year visits along with the Tdap.
Texas Immunization Exemptions
Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §97.62 covers the conditions under which students can request an exemption from getting immunizations at their school or college. There are three conditions for exemption:
- If a health care provider determines that it is not safe for them to get a certain vaccine
- If they are in the United States military
- If they have a religious or personal belief that goes against getting immunized
NOTE: Please note that these rules only apply to students in Texas and not to employees who need an exemption from immunizations required by their employer.