Back-to-School
School’s Starting – Schedule Your Child’s Vaccines Now
Back-to-school means a long to-do list in a short time. That’s why it’s smart to make an appointment to get your child immunized now. Whether heading to kindergarten, junior high or college, children need all CDC-recommended vaccines. Ask your healthcare provider about your child’s protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.
Some vaccines need a series of doses to be effective. Ask your doctor about your child’s schedule and make sure it’s up to date. Immunizing your child against vaccine-preventable diseases helps prevent outbreaks in their schools and contributes to better health for all children in Texas.
Download Back-to-School Toolkit (ZIP)
Vaccines for Childcare and Kindergarten – Building Blocks for Health
Before your child can attend kindergarten, certain immunizations are required. You’ll need to show proof they’ve received the protection of vaccines for many diseases. Details can be found here: Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Students Grades K-12
If your child is too young for kindergarten and heading to childcare, you’ll need to know the state’s vaccine requirements for that facility.
Those requirements can be found here: Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements for Childcare Facilities
One More Must-Have for College – Meningococcal Vaccines
If you’re a college-bound student, immunization against meningitis is required. It's a smart thing, too, because it helps protect against a serious disease that can result in hearing loss, brain damage, and even death. To see what vaccines your child’s college or university requires, view the Texas Minimum State Vaccine Requirements
There are many vaccines for school and childcare.
Where do I find vaccines for my child?
The Texas Department of State Health Services has many programs to ensure access to vaccinations, regardless of people's ability to pay, learn more about them on the program page.
Find a Provider
For additional information, please contact your local health department, Health Service Region or the TVFC Program at 888-777-5320 or VacCallCenter@dshs.texas.gov