Texas school vaccine exemptions

Reasons-of-conscience exemption. A parent or guardian completes the official Texas Department of State Health Services affidavit, has it notarized, and submits it to the school within 90 days. It covers religious and personal beliefs and must be renewed every two years. For years the affidavit could only be requested from the state by mail; legislation passed in 2025 was intended to make the form downloadable. Confirm the current process with DSHS before you rely on either route.

Medical exemption. A physician licensed in the United States writes a statement that a vaccine is medically contraindicated or would pose a significant risk to the child or a household member. It is valid for one year unless it states a lifelong condition.

What to ask a practice. Whether they will write a medical exemption statement when one is warranted, and whether they will complete school immunization records for a child on a partial schedule. The conscience affidavit does not involve the practice.

Where rules change. Texas updates school requirements periodically, and 2025 saw several legislative changes around exemption paperwork. Check the DSHS page for the current form and deadline.