Back-to-School Vaccination Requirements and Exemption Options

As students prepare to return to the classroom, it's crucial to ensure they are up to date with their vaccinations. Most schools begin next week, except for the fortunate students in the Austin district, who start on Aug. 20, and those in Del Valle, who've already begun.

COVID-19, Flu, and Routine Vaccinations:

The CDC recently recommended updated COVID-19 and flu vaccines for everyone ages 6 months and older for the upcoming fall season: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2024/s-t0627-vaccine-recommendations.html.

"We need a new vaccine of each of these because they are worldwide viruses that are constantly evolving... You get a COVID-19 and flu vaccine to not get complications. You might still get sick with the virus, but you are less likely to be hospitalized or face severe consequences." - Dr. Edgar Navarro Garza, pediatrician at Harbor Health.

Vaccination Requirements for School Enrollment:

• When enrolling your child in a new public school, their vaccine record is essential.
• Vaccination records are checked at kindergarten and seventh grade.
• Required vaccines by kindergarten include: DTaP, Polio, MMR, Hep B, Varicella, and Hep A.
• By seventh grade, a Tdap booster and Meningococcal vaccine are added.
• For eighth grade and beyond, a 10-year Tdap booster is needed.

Optional but recommended vaccines: HPV vaccine from age 9, annual flu and COVID shots, a second Meningococcal dose in 10th grade (often required for college), and two Meningococcal B doses at 16.

Exemptions and Consequences:

Parents can obtain vaccine exemptions for their children due to medical reasons or "Reasons of Conscience" (religious/personal values). For the latter, an affidavit form must be requested from the state: https://co-request.dshs.texas.gov/.

However, during a disease outbreak like measles, mumps, or chickenpox, unvaccinated students may be barred from attending school temporarily.

Where to Get Vaccinated:

• Primary care physicians
• Local pharmacies for ages 3+
• Austin Public Health offers reduced-cost/free vaccines: https://www.austintexas.gov/services/get-free-or-low-cost-vaccines