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Immunization Requirements

Please note: We can only accept a record from an electronic health record system if it includes the clinic's contact information AND the provider's signature/stamp. A screen shot or print-out from your child's patient portal does not satisfy this requirement. Thank you for your understanding. 

For Pre-K through 12

State law requires students in Texas schools to be immunized against certain vaccine-preventable diseases. Getting your child vaccinated not only protects your child’s health, but also that of the community. The immunization requirements are set by Texas law and provided by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).

The law requires that students be fully vaccinated against the specified diseases. A student may be provisionally enrolled if the student has an immunization record on file that indicates the student has received at least one of each specified age-appropriate vaccine. To remain enrolled, the student must complete the required subsequent doses as rapidly as is medically feasible. If a student does not show verification of the subsequent dose, that student is not in compliance, and the school must exclude the student from attendance until the required dose is given.

Exemptions

Medical Exemptions: The law allows physicians to write a statement stating that the vaccine(s) required would be medically harmful or injurious to the health and well-being of the child. The written statement by the physician must be submitted to the school nurse. 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. The Department of State and Health Services requires certain information be included in the physician note. 

Information from the Department of State and Health Services regarding medical exemptions

For reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs: The law allows parents/guardians to choose an exemption from immunization requirements for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. The completed, notarized form from the Texas DSHS must be submitted to the school nurse in order for the student to be admitted. The school will accept only the original official affidavit forms developed and issued by the Texas DSHS. The affidavit will be valid for two years from the date it was notarized. Please note that these may take some time to obtain, and your child will not be allowed to attend school until the affidavit is in the school's possession. A person who has not received the immunizations required by law for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, may be excluded from school in the event of an epidemic of vaccine-preventable illness as declared by the commissioner of public health.

Information from Department of State and Health Services regarding voluntary exemptions 

With few exceptions allowable by law (to include homelessness, students in foster care, and children of active duty military members), if your child's immunization record is not current and up-to-date on the first day of school, you will be called to pick the student up until which time you can provide the appropriate documentation. Please note this is state law, not just LTISD policy.