Getting ready for a new school year means school supplies, new routines, and making sure your child’s vaccines are up to date. Texas requires certain immunizations for students in public and private schools. Here is a simple checklist to help you prepare.
Required Vaccines for Kindergarten Through 12th Grade
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), students generally need the following vaccines:
- DTaP / Tdap (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis or whooping cough): 4 or 5 doses depending on age
- Polio: 3 or 4 doses
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella): 2 doses
- Hepatitis B: 3 doses
- Varicella (chickenpox): 2 doses
- Hepatitis A: 2 doses
The exact number of doses depends on your child’s age and when earlier doses were given, so it is best to have us review your child’s record.
Extra Requirements for 7th Grade
Seventh grade is a big vaccine year in Texas. Students entering 7th grade need:
- One Tdap booster if at least five years have passed since their last tetanus-containing vaccine
- One dose of meningococcal vaccine (MCV4), which protects against a serious type of bacterial meningitis
Many families schedule a well-check before 7th grade to take care of these vaccines along with a physical. The HPV vaccine is not required for school but is recommended around ages 11 to 12, and we are happy to talk with you about it.
Your Back-to-School Checklist
- Find your child’s immunization record and check it against the list above
- Schedule a well-check or vaccine visit early in the summer, before the back-to-school rush
- Ask for an updated copy of the immunization record to give to the school
- Schedule a sports physical if your child plays sports
- Check your school district’s website for any additional forms
What About Exemptions?
Texas allows exemptions for medical reasons and for reasons of conscience, including religious beliefs. A conscience exemption requires an official affidavit from DSHS that must be notarized. If you have questions or concerns about vaccines, we encourage you to talk with us. We are glad to answer questions and help you make an informed decision.
Requirements Can Change
Vaccine requirements are updated from time to time. For the most current information, visit the Texas DSHS school immunization page or check with your child’s school.
Vaccines and School Physicals in McKinney
BrightKids Pediatrics provides childhood immunizations, school and sports physicals, and Texas state required lab work for families in McKinney, Frisco, Prosper, and Allen. Call (972) 532-0535 to schedule a back-to-school visit.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.