Immunization Schedule
2024-2025 Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for K - 12
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.