Back-to-School

School’s Starting – Schedule Your Child’s Vaccines Now

Back-to-school means a long to-do list in a short time. That’s why it’s smart to make an appointment to get your child immunized now. Whether heading to kindergarten, junior high or college, children need all CDC-recommended vaccines. Ask your healthcare provider about your child’s protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.

Some vaccines need a series of doses to be effective.  Ask your doctor about your child’s schedule and make sure it’s up to date. Immunizing your child against vaccine-preventable diseases helps prevent outbreaks in their schools and contributes to better health for all children in Texas.


Elmentary classVaccines for Childcare and Kindergarten – Building Blocks for Health

Before your child can attend kindergarten, certain immunizations are required. You’ll need to show proof they’ve received the protection of vaccines for many diseases. Details can be found here: Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12

If your child is too young for kindergarten and heading to childcare, you’ll need to know the state’s vaccine requirements for that facility.  

Those requirements can be found here:  Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Childcare Facilities 

 


College studentsOne More Must-Have for College – Meningococcal Vaccines

If you’re a college-bound student, immunization against meningitis is required. It's a smart thing, too, because it helps protect against a serious disease that can result in hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. To see what vaccines your child’s college or university requires, please see Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements

There are many vaccines for school and childcare

 

Where do I find vaccines for my child

The Texas Department of State Health Services has many programs to ensure access to vaccinations, regardless of people's ability to pay, learn more about them on the program page.

Find a Provider

For additional information, please contact your local health department, Health Service Region or the TVFC Program at 888-777-5320 or vaccallcenter@dshs.texas.gov


 

FAQs About Immunization Requirements for School Admittance

Download the PDF document of the FAQs 

About Provisional Enrollment

Vaccination Deficiencies

Exemptions

Texas Vaccination Rules