IMPORTANT UPDATE ON ADOPTED IMMUNIZATION RULES CONCERNING IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS IN TEXAS ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULES: MARCH 5, 2009

On February 27, 2009, the adopted amendments to 25 TAC §§97.61; 97.63-97.72 Texas Administrative Code, concerning immunization requirements in Texas elementary & secondary schools and institutions of higher education, can be viewed in the latest issue of the Texas Register at the Secretary of State website at the following address: http://www.sos.state.tx.us/texreg/index.shtml

The adopted amendments to 25 TAC §§97.61; 97.63-97.72 Texas Administrative Code, concerning immunization requirements in Texas elementary & secondary schools and institutions of higher education, will be effective as of March 5, 2009.

The following is a highlight of adopted revisions to rules for school and child-care facility immunization requirements:

• Meningococcal Vaccine*
  • Beginning SY 2009-10, 7th grade requirement
• Varicella Vaccine
  • Beginning School Year (SY) 2009-10, 2 dose requirement for kindergarten and 7th grade entry
• Tdap Vaccine
  • Beginning SY 2009-10, a booster dose requirement for Tdap for 7th grade
• MMR Vaccine
  • Beginning SY 2009-10, 2 dose requirement of MMR vaccine for kindergarten entry
• Hepatitis A Vaccine
  • Beginning SY 2009-10, 2 dose requirement for kindergarten entry statewide
• General revisions incorporated that clarify or simplify language throughout the rules relating to the school and child care requirements.