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Immunizations

As legislatively-mandated by §97.63 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC), the immunization requirements for Texas students have been updated. For more information, visit the Texas Department of State Health Services Immunization website. Immunization requirements for the 2024-2025 school year will be available in the summer. 
 

Exemptions

Chapter §97.62 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) describes the conditions under which individuals can seek exemptions from Texas immunization requirements. 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.
 
Written requests for an immunization exemption on the basis of conscience must be submitted through the U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier, fax, or by hand-delivery. Email or telephone requests are not accepted. Affidavit form requests will be processed and mailed within one week from the receipt of the request. If additional information is needed to process the affidavit, you will be notified. The letter of request must contain the full name of each child for whom a form is requested (first, middle and last), date of birth of each child for whom a form is requested, parent or legal guardian's signature and complete return mailing address, and number of forms needed for each child (not to exceed five forms per child)
 
Mailing Address:
Immunization Branch
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946) 
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, TX 78714-9347
 
Physical Address: (for hand delivery)
Department of State Health Services
Immunization Branch (MC 1946)
1100 W 49th Street
Austin, TX 78756

Fax:  (512) 776-7544

Online:  Via the department's online exemption form available at www.dshs.texas.gov/immunizations/school/exemptions.

The official Texas Department of State Health Services affidavit form must be notarized and submitted to school district officials within 90 days from the date of notarization. Bastrop ISD will accept only official affidavit forms developed and issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch. No other forms or reproductions will be allowed.

Exemption from Immunization for Reasons of Conscience – Frequently Asked Questions (English)

Exemption from Immunization for Reasons of Conscience – Frequently Asked Questions (Spanish) 

Related Websites & Resources 

School Health Program
The School Health Program will provide leadership and support to communities in their efforts to meet the health services and health education needs of their children in a school setting.

Texas Education Agency
Providing leadership, guidance, and resources to help schools meet the educational needs of all students in Texas.

CDC Vaccines & Immunizations
Information about Vaccine-preventable diseases from the CDC.