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Vaccine Information Statements (VIS)
Childhood Immunization Schedule
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Stats, Surveys & Reports

Vaccine-Preventable Disease Statistics
Perinatal Hepatitis B Statistics
National Immunization Survey (NIS)
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Tx Retro Immunization Survey (TRIS)
Vaccination Coverage in Texas Schools
Immunization Rates by Region

Resources

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The Upshot Online
Immunization Division Links
Search Website

Links to Related Websites

TDH: School Health Program
Texas Education Agency

Contact Info

Texas Department of Health
Immunization Division
1100 W. 49th St., Austin, TX 78756
Phone: 512.458.7284
Toll-Free: 800.252.9152
Email: Immunize@imm.tdh.state.tx.us

Send comments and suggestions to:
feedback.imm@tdh.state.tx.us

Exemptions for Medical Contraindications

Medical contraindications exist when a child cannot be vaccinated because of an existing health condition or because the child has recently received an antibody-containing blood product.

Most contraindications are temporary. For a list of many contraindications, please refer to:

  General Recommendations on Immunization (Chapter 2, pages 16-17).

Some conditions contraindicate all vaccines; others contraindicate only specific vaccines.

Title 25 Health Services §97.62(1) (TAC) states:

"The child or student must present an affidavit or certificate signed by a physician, duly registered and licensed to practice medicine in the United States, in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the immunization would be injurious to the health and well-being of the applicant or any member of his or her family or household. Unless a lifelong condition is specified, the affidavit or certificate is valid for only one year from the date signed by the physician and must be renewed every year for the exclusion to remain in effect."

Exemptions for Religious Conflicts

Like 48 other states, Texas law provides for exemption from vaccination requirements in cases where vaccination conflicts with a family's religious beliefs or practices. States differ in how this exemption is defined and documented, and what may be sufficient documentation in one state may not be sufficient in another.

Like 35 other states, Texas law does not allow exemption based on personal or philosophical beliefs.

Title 25 Health Services §97.62(2) (TAC) states:

"A signed affidavit must be presented by the child's parent or guardian stating that the immunization conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized religious organization of which the applicant is an adherent or member. This exemption does not apply in times of emergency or outbreak declared by the commissioner of health or local health authority."

Exemptions for Service in Armed Forces

Title 25 Health Services §97.62(3) (TAC) states:

"Persons who can prove that they are serving on active duty with the armed forces of the United States are exempted from the requirements in these sections."

The United States assures that its armed forces are fully vaccinated. Because immunization records are centrally maintained and personnel may not have easy access to the record, they are exempt from documenting compliance with these requirements.

This exemption does not apply to children of persons serving in the military.