Special Education Policies
Texas law requires students attending public and private schools to provide acceptable evidence that they have received the immunizations required for their grade level.
A student who has not completed the required immunizations may attend only when the student qualifies for provisional enrollment or has a valid medical or conscientious exemption on file. Families should provide updated immunization records or exemption documentation to their academy nurse or registrar before the first day of attendance.
2026–27 Texas School Immunization Requirements
The Texas Department of State Health Services provides the minimum vaccine requirements for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in one bilingual document:
- 2026–27 Texas Vaccine Requirements—English (PDF, pages 1–2)
- Requisitos de vacunación de Texas para 2026–27—Español (PDF, páginas 3–4)
- Texas immunization requirements by grade level
- Texas DSHS school immunization forms and resources
Recommended Vaccines
The minimum vaccines required for school attendance are not necessarily the only vaccines recommended for a child. Texas DSHS recommends that children and adolescents follow the age-appropriate immunization schedule developed by public-health and medical authorities.
Depending on a student’s age, health history and prior vaccinations, recommended immunizations may include:
- Annual influenza vaccine
- Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, including Tdap
- Human papillomavirus vaccine
- Meningococcal vaccines
- Age-appropriate or catch-up doses for hepatitis A, hepatitis B, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella
- Other vaccines recommended because of a student’s age, medical condition or other risk factors
Families should consult their child’s healthcare provider to determine which vaccines are appropriate.
- Texas DSHS vaccine information for adolescents
- Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule
- Texas DSHS influenza vaccination information
Provisional Enrollment
Provisional enrollment may allow an eligible student to attend school temporarily while completing a required vaccine series. A student must have received at least one dose of each required age-appropriate vaccine and must not be overdue for the next medically appropriate dose.
The academy will review the immunization status of a provisionally enrolled student as required by law. A student who does not receive subsequent required doses on schedule may be excluded from attendance until compliant documentation is provided.
Immunization Exemptions
Texas law recognizes certain exemptions from school immunization requirements. A valid exemption must be completed and submitted to the academy before it can be accepted.
Medical Exemptions
A medical exemption requires a written statement signed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in the United States. The statement must identify the vaccine or vaccines that would be medically harmful to the student. Unless the physician identifies a lifelong condition, the medical exemption is valid for one year from the date it is signed.
Exemptions for Reasons of Conscience
A parent, legal guardian or student who is 18 years of age or older may use the official Texas DSHS affidavit to claim an exemption for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief. The completed affidavit must be signed, notarized and submitted to the academy. A conscientious-exemption affidavit is generally valid for two years from the date it is notarized.
- Texas DSHS immunization exemption instructions
- Affidavit requesting an exemption for reasons of conscience—English and Spanish (PDF)
- Frequently asked questions about conscientious exemptions—English and Spanish (PDF)
Please note: A student with an immunization exemption may be excluded from school during an emergency or outbreak involving a vaccine-preventable disease, as directed by public-health authorities.
Documentation of Previous Varicella Infection
A documented history of varicella, commonly called chickenpox, may be accepted in place of required varicella vaccine doses when properly documented. Families should submit the completed documentation to their academy nurse or registrar.
Documenting a history of varicella illness—English and Spanish (PDF)
Where to Obtain Immunizations
Families may obtain vaccines through their pediatrician, family physician, pharmacy or local public-health clinic. Eligibility, appointment requirements, vaccine availability, insurance acceptance and fees vary by provider. Please contact the provider before visiting and bring the student’s immunization record.
San Antonio and South Texas
- San Antonio Metropolitan Health District Immunization Clinic
- San Antonio Metro Health pop-up vaccine clinics
- University Health pediatric immunizations and vaccination services
Dallas County and North Texas
- Dallas County Health and Human Services child immunizations
- Dallas County immunization clinic locations
- Tarrant County Public Health immunization services
- Tarrant County back-to-school immunization events
Influenza Vaccine Locations
Influenza vaccines are commonly available through physicians, pharmacies, urgent-care clinics and local public-health departments. Availability may vary by age, location and time of year.
- Find a nearby vaccine provider through Vaccines.gov
- San Antonio Metro Health Immunization Clinic
- Dallas County immunization clinics
- Tarrant County immunization clinics
For questions about a student’s records or the documentation required by Great Hearts Texas, please contact the nurse or registrar at the student’s academy.
Information last reviewed August 6, 2026.
