• Texas Immunization Exemptions

    Immunization Exemptions Overview

    Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §97.62 describes the conditions under which children and students can seek exemptions from immunization requirements in Texas elementary and secondary schools, and institutions of higher education. Exclusions from compliance are allowable on an individual basis for medical contraindications, active duty with the armed forces of the United States, and reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. 

    NOTE: These exemptions only pertain to students in Texas who seek exemptions from school-required immunizations. These exemptions are not for employees seeking exemptions from employer-mandated immunizations. 

    Exemptions for Medical Reasons

    The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) considers vaccines to be very safe and encourages all Texans to be vaccinated according to the ACIP recommended schedule. DSHS recognizes, however, that for a small number of people, there may be valid medical reasons for which they cannot receive certain vaccines.  

    Facility Attendance 

    For school and childcare attendance, the state allows for medical exemptions to accommodate these individuals. Schools and childcare facilities should accept medical exemptions that are signed by a US-licensed MD or DO and clearly state a medical reason the person cannot receive specific vaccines.  

    Unless the exemption states a lifelong condition, the exemption is only valid for one year. 

    Requesting an Exemption for Reasons of Conscience

    To claim an exclusion for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the child's parent, legal guardian, or a student 18 years of age or older must present to the school or child-care facility a completed, signed and notarized affidavit on a form provided by the department stating that the child's parent, legal guardian, or the student declines vaccinations for reasons of conscience, including because of the person's religious beliefs.

    Submitting an Exemption for Reasons of Conscience

    The form must be submitted to the school or child-care facility within 90 days from the date it is notarized. The affidavit will be valid for a two-year period from the date of notarization. A child or student who has not received the required immunizations for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs, may be excluded from school in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of the department.

    How to Obtain an Affidavit

    This affidavit is to request exclusion for reasons of conscience, including religious belief, from required school immunizations. A parent or legal guardian may request this affidavit on behalf of their child or student using the forms and methods outlined below. The request must include the following information:

    • Full name of child or student
    • Child's or student's date of birth (month/day/year)
    • Complete mailing address, including telephone number
    • Number of requested affidavit forms (not to exceed 5).

    Requesting an Affidavit

    Affidavits may be requested via the Immunization Section Affidavit Request website. It is recommended individuals use the Microsoft Edge web browser when submitting a vaccine exemption request online.

     If requesting an Affidavit by Mail, a written request for an affidavit may be sent through the United States Postal Service. Mail to:

    Texas Department of State Health Services
    Immunization Section, Mail Code 1946
    P.O. Box 149347
    Austin, Texas 78714-9347

    NOTE: Affidavits must be notarized and should not be modified in any way before submission to the school or childcare facility.

    Requesting an Affidavit By Fax
    Fax written requests for affidavits to: (512) 776-7544.

    Requesting an Affidavit In Person
    Requests for an affidavit may be made in person at:

          Texas Department of State Health Services
          1100 West 49th Street
          Austin, Texas 78756

    NOTE: No requests will be filled at the time of hand delivery. All affidavit forms will be mailed to you via the U.S. Postal Service.