Vaccination Vial & Syringe

Texas law requires all students, PK-12, to submit an immunization record to the school that shows proof of vaccination against certain preventable diseases. A student shall show acceptable evidence of vaccination prior to entry, attendance, or transfer to a child-care facility or public or private elementary or secondary school in Texas.

2024-2025 Immunization Requirements

Affidavit Request for Exemption - Mail

Affidavit Request for Exemption - Online

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. Children and students in these categories must submit evidence for exclusion from compliance as specified in the Health and Safety Code, §161.004(d), Health and Safety Code, §161.0041, Education Code, Chapter 38, Education Code, Chapter 51, and the Human Resources Code, Chapter 42.

To claim an exclusion for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the child's parent, legal guardian, or a student 18 years of age or older must present to the school or child-care facility a completed, signed and notarized affidavit on a form provided by the department stating that the child's parent, legal guardian, or the student declines vaccinations for reasons of conscience, including because of the person's religious beliefs. The affidavit will be valid for a two-year period from the date of notarization. A child or student, who has not received the required immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, may be excluded from school in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of the department.

To claim an exclusion for medical reasons, the child or student must present an exemption statement to the school or child-care facility, dated and signed by a physician (M.D. or D.O.), properly licensed and in good standing in any state in the United States who has examined the child or student. The statement must state that, in the physician's opinion, the vaccine required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the child or student or any member of the child's or student's household. Unless it is written in the statement that a lifelong condition exists, the exemption statement is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician.

Flu Shots - get the flu shot, not the flu

Flu Prevention

The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.

The CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine to protect against 3-4 types of influenza and complications that come from the virus. Though flu vaccines do not prevent you 100% from getting the flu, studies show having the vaccine can make symptoms milder. Getting vaccinated not only protects you, but also the people around you that are unable to receive the vaccine due to age.

Does the Flu Shot give you the Flu?

No - Flu vaccines contain inactivated, dead viruses that trigger your immune response in order to develop antibodies against the flu. Sometimes the body reacts to the vaccine by displaying symptoms of the flu such as: headache, low-grade fever, muscle aches, and redness, tenderness at the injection site. These symptoms will most likely disappear after 1-2 days.

Reasons you may still get the Flu or symptoms of the Flu:

  • Symptoms may be from other viral or bacterial infections
  • You were infected with another strain of flu virus not covered in the vaccine
  • Weakened immune system due to medications, lack of sleep, or other illness
  • Immunity was not developed in time (Immunity develops about 2 weeks after receiving vaccine)

Clinics that offer the Flu vaccine include:

  • Your child's pediatrician's office

  • Jackson County Medical Clinic

  • Local Pharmacies (HEB, Target, Walgreens, CVS)

  • It is recommended to call ahead to any location to see if they have any available and if they accept your insurance.

For more information regarding the flu, please visit the DSHS Website.