All students, new and returning, must complete their immunization requirements for school. The health services staff at your campus will be able to review your students' immunization records and offer you locations to obtain immunizations, if they are needed. We receive many common immunization questions in the school setting. You may want to view the Immunization Q&A English and Spanish.
Exemptions
The law allows (a) physicians to write a statement stating that the vaccine(s) required would be medically harmful or injurious to the health and well-being of the child or household member, and (b) parents/guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. Schools must maintain an up-to-date list of students with exemptions, because these students may be excluded in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of public health.
Instructions for requesting the official exemption affidavit, signed by parents/guardians choosing the exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, can be found at Immunization Exemption Affidavit . Original exemption affidavits must be completed and submitted to the school and are valid for 2 years.
For students claiming a medical exemption, a written statement by the physician must be submitted to the school. A medical exemption is valid for 1 year, unless the physician specifically states it is a life-long medical exemption.
Provisional Enrollment
All immunizations should be completed by the first date of attendance. The law requires that students be fully vaccinated against specified diseases. A student may be enrolled provisionally if the student has an immunization record that indicates the student has received at least one dose of each specified age-appropriate vaccine required by this rule. To remain enrolled, the student must complete the required subsequent doses in each vaccine series on schedule and as rapidly as is medically feasible and provide acceptable evidence of vaccination to the school. A school nurse or school administrator shall review the immunization status of a provisionally enrolled student every 30 days to ensure continued compliance in completing the required doses of vaccination. If, at the end of the 30-day period, a student has not received a subsequent dose of vaccine, the student is not in compliance and the school shall exclude the student from school attendance until the required dose is administered. Additional provisional enrollment guidelines for students include students transferring from one Texas public or private school to another, students who are dependents of active duty military, students in foster care, and students who are homeless.
Documentation
Since many types of personal immunization records are in use, any document will be acceptable provided a physician or public health personnel has validated it. The month, day, and year that the vaccination was received must be recorded on all school immunization records created or updated after September 1, 1991.
Resources for families who need vaccinations:
Your local pediatrician
Lone Star Circle of Care
Austin Public Health
Texas Vaccines for Children
Williamson County Health Services
Children's Health Insurance Plan