Texas School Vaccination Rates: Trends and Challenges in the 2025-26 Academic Year
In the 2025-26 school year, Texas saw over 92% of kindergarteners and 7th graders fully vaccinated for all required vaccines, although rates were lower than pre-pandemic levels. The measles coverage rate for kindergarteners slightly increased, but the number of conscientious exemptions also rose. Following a measles outbreak in West Texas, a bill was passed to make vaccine exemption forms downloadable, leading to more parents opting out of vaccines.
The latest data from the Texas Department of State Health Services revealed that nearly 3% of K-12 students had conscientious exemptions for at least one vaccine, with exemption rates doubling for kindergarteners. Concerns were raised about the erosion of trust in science and the impact on vaccination rates, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
While the measles coverage rate for kindergarteners improved, rates for Hepatitis B and whooping cough slightly declined. The exemption rate for polio doubled, raising concerns about the potential consequences of loosening school vaccine exemptions. The data highlighted the importance of maintaining vaccination rates to prevent disease outbreaks.
Some districts saw improvements in vaccination rates, with Austin ISD, Spring ISD, and YES Prep Public Schools achieving measles vaccination rates above 90%. However, delinquency rates for measles vaccinations remained high in other urban districts like Dallas ISD, Aldine ISD, and Houston ISD. Variations in vaccination rates were observed across campuses within large districts, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to ensure vaccine coverage for all students.
In conclusion, the data from the 2025-26 school year in Texas showed a mix of improvements and challenges in vaccination rates among kindergarteners and 7th graders. While some districts made progress in increasing vaccination coverage, concerns remain about the rise in conscientious exemptions and the potential impact on public health. Efforts to educate families about the benefits of vaccination and address barriers to vaccine access are crucial to safeguarding the health of students and communities.