STUDENTS:  IMMUNIZATIONS                                                                          [LAW]

 

 

1.         Immunizations

 

Each student shall be fully immunized against diphtheria, rubeola (measles), rubella, mumps, tetanus, and poliomyelitis.  The Texas Board of Health may modify or delete the required immunizations or add additional ones.  A child or student must meet all the immunization requirements specific to an age group upon first entering the age group.

 

Tex. Educ. Code §§ 12.104(b)(2)(K), 38.001(a)-(b).

 

2.         Exclusions

 

Immunization is not a requirement for admission to the school if the person applying for admission:

 

A.        Submits one of the following:

 

(1)        An affidavit or certificate signed by a physician who is registered and licensed to practice medicine within the United States, stating that in the physician’s opinion the immunization required would be injurious to the health and well-being of the applicant or any member of his/her family or household;

 

(2)        An affidavit signed by the applicant or, if a minor, by his/her parent/guardian stating that the immunization conflicts with the tenets and practices of a recognized church, religious denomination, or recognized religious organization of which the applicant is an adherent or member; provided, however, that this exemption does not apply in times of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of health or local health authority.

 

            B.         Is serving on active duty with the armed forces of the United States.

 

Tex. Educ. Code §§ 12.104(b)(2)(K), 38.001(c).

 

3.         Provisional Admittance

 

A student may be provisionally admitted to the school if the student has begun the required immunizations and continues to receive the necessary immunizations as rapidly as is medically feasible.  The school must ensure that the required immunizations are received on schedule.

 

Tex. Educ. Code §§ 12.104(b)(2)(K), 38.001(e).

 

4.         Immunization Records

 

The school shall keep an individual immunization record during the period of attendance for each student admitted.  The records shall be open for inspection at all reasonable times by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) or by representatives of local health departments or the Texas Department of Health.

 

Tex. Educ. Code §§ 12.104(b)(2)(K), 38.002(a).

 

5.         Transfer of Records

 

The school shall cooperate in transferring student immunization records to other schools.  Specific approval from a student, and/or his/her parents/guardians is not required before transferring those records.

 

Tex. Educ. Code §§ 12.104(b)(2)(K), 38.002(b).

 

6.         Annual Reporting

 

The TEA and the Texas Department of Health shall develop the form for a required annual report of the immunization status of students, and such annual report shall be submitted by the school at such time and in such manner as is indicated in the instructions printed on the form.

 

Tex. Educ. Code §§ 12.104(b)(2)(K), 38.002(c).