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Immunization Branch
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School & Child-Care Facility Requirements
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Welcome! This page is designed specifically as a resource for schools, preschools, and child-care facilities to help you understand the immunization requirements needed for attendance at your facility. It will also provide information on the importance of immunizations.
On this page:
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Information for Schools
Information for Child-Care Facilities
Immunization Coverage
Immunization Requirements
The above-referenced charts summarize the vaccine requirements incorporated in Title 25 Health Services, §§97.61-97.72 of the Texas Administrative Code. They are not intended as substitutes for consulting the Texas Administrative Code, which has other provisions and details. The Texas Department of State Health Services is granted the authority to set immunization requirements by Texas Education Code, Chapter 38 and Human Resource Code, Chapter 42.
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Exclusions from Immunization Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions Concerning the Conscientious Exemption (16KB, :04)
Sample letter for requesting an exemption form:
Exemptions to Immunization Requirements:
Chapter §97.62 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, and active duty with the armed forces of the United States.
Guidelines for Requesting an Exemption for Reasons of Conscience
- Written requests must be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier, fax, or by hand-delivery.
Mailing Address:
Immunization Branch
Department of State Health Services
Immunization
Branch (MC 1946)
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
Hand Delivery:
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756
Fax:
512.458.7544
- Hand-delivered requests may be submitted to the DSHS, Immunization Branch, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. ALL affidavit forms will be mailed to you via U.S. Postal Service. No requests will be filled at the time of hand-delivery.
- Affidavit form requests will be processed and mailed within one week from the receipt of the request. If additional information is needed in order to process the affidavit, you will be notified.
- The letter must include the following information:
- Full name of each child for whom a form is requested (first, middle, and last);
- Date of birth of each child for whom a form is requested;
- Parent or legal guardian's signature and complete return mailing address, including zip code; and
- Number of forms needed for each child (not to exceed five forms per child)
- Electronic mail or telephone requests cannot be processed.
- The official Texas Department of State Health Services affidavit form must be notarized and submitted to school officials. The form must be submitted within 90 days from the date it is notarized.
- The school will accept only official affidavit forms developed and issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch. No other forms or reproductions will be allowed.
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News and Releases
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Links to Related Websites & Resources
School Health Program
The School Health Program will provide leadership and support to communities in their efforts to meet the health services and health education needs of their children in a school setting.
Texas Education Agency
The mission of the Texas Education Agency (TEA) is to build the capacity for excellence in the Texas public education system accountable for providing all students with a quality education that enables them to achieve their full potential. The agency's primary responsibilies include: the state's education assessment and accountability system, support for all public and charter schools, student access to adequate resources and educational programs, and equitable access to instructional materials and technologies supporting the foundation and enrichment curriculum.
CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
NIP - National Immunization Program
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Last Updated
October 12, 2007
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