Immunizations
Texas Vaccine Requirements
The State of Texas sets vaccination requirements for children attending school in Texas and requires students to show acceptable evidence of vaccination prior to entry, attendance, or transfer to a public or private elementary or secondary school in Texas. Click the appropriate button below to view a downloadable/printable document that includes all requirements.
Acceptable evidence of vaccination includes immunization records that have been validated by a physician or public health personnel signature or stamp, those generated by a public health authority, or those received from another school district.
The month, day, and year that the vaccination was received must be recorded on the record.
For students in 7th through 12th grades, proof of meningococcal vaccine on their immunization record must indicate one of the following: MCV4, MenACWY, Menveo, or Menactra.
Students who do not meet eligibility for provisional enrollment, who do not present a valid Department of State Health Services (DSHS) affidavit of exemption for reasons of conscience, or who do not have a medical exemption for immunization will be excluded from school until immunization requirements are met. The school nurse will make every effort to provide resources for families whose students' immunization records are not current according to state law.
Student immunization records are maintained electronically. To view the record on file for your child, please login to Family Access.
For questions about immunization requirements, please visit the DSHS Immunization Branch website by clicking on Texas School and Child-Care Facility Immunization Requirements . You may also call the Immunization Branch at (800) 252-9142.
Immunization Exemptions
The State of Texas does allow for exemptions to the immunization requirements based on medical need or reasons of conscience; however both types of exemptions require proper documentation. Visit the Texas Department of State Health Services school immunization page for more information about immunization exemptions.
Students who have had the chicken pox disease (varicella) are not required to be vaccinated against the disease. A written statement from a parent or legal guardian, school nurse, or physician indicating that the student had the disease with the date of the illness is acceptable in lieu of immunization.
Students who have had a lab test that shows they are immune to the following diseases may present a copy of the laboratory results in lieu of documentation of the vaccines: measles; rubella; mumps; hepatitis A; hepatitis B; or varicella.
Free and Low Cost Immunization Clinics
Many free and low-cost immunization clinics partner with the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) program to provide low-cost vaccines to eligible children. Children eligible for the these vaccines are up to and including 18 years of age who meet one or more of the following criteria:
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Eligible for Medicaid
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Enrolled in the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
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American Indian or Alaska Native
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Uninsured Children
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Underinsured children whose health insurance does not fully cover vaccines
Dallas County Immunization Clinics
Dallas County Immunization Clinics serve children 18 years and younger. Cost is $10 at the first visit and $5 for subsequent visits. No child eligible for Texas Vaccines for Children will be denied services.
For more information: 214-819-2163.
Dallas County Immunization Clinic Locations
CareVan: Caring for Children Foundation of Texas, Inc.
CareVan is a TVFC provider administering vaccines for eligible children ages 2 months through 18 years.
All vaccinations are free and no appointments are necessary.
All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and have a copy of their most recent immunization record. For complete CareVan schedules and other information:
CareVan.Org
The Doctor Spot: Lifesavers Foundation
The Doctor Spot is a mobile pediatric clinic offering free medical services, including immunizations, to poor and medically underserved children in southeast Dallas County.
Telephone: 972-834-2473
For information on the clinic location and schedule, click the following button:
RELATED LINKS:
The Department of State Health Services provides a resource for individuals seeking local flu vaccine clinics at Flu Vaccine Clinic Locator. This resource also lists other vaccines provided at participating vaccine clinics.
Vaccine Information Statements providing information about specific vaccines including benefits and risks are available through the Department of State Health Services at Vaccine Information Statements.