The COVID-19 vaccine is NOT required at this time for people enrolled in child-care/Pre-K facilities, K-12 schools, colleges, or universities. The conscientious exemption form only contains vaccines required per Rule §97.63 of the Texas Administrative Code.
DSHS staff continue to process conscientious exemption requests. Exemption requests are processed in the order they are received. Please be advised, it may take slightly longer than the standard 7-10 business days for an affidavit to arrive in the mail due to COVID-19.
Due to the Governor’s COVID-19 disaster declaration, a parent/guardian is allowed to present a conscientious exemption affidavit that has been electronically notarized. The notary public must reside in Texas and follow the Texas Secretary of State (SoS) requirements regarding notary publics. For more information regarding online notaries, please visit the SoS website.
School vaccination rules are
in effect for the 2021-2022 school year. Students should be up-to-date,
in the process of receiving vaccines, or have a valid exemption on file when
school starts in the fall. For a list of vaccine requirements for K-12,
Pre-K, and child-care facilities, go to the Texas School & Child-Care
Facility webpage.
For a list of providers who offer low-cost vaccines, go to the Texas Vaccines
for Children Provider Locator webpage.
School vaccination rules are
in effect regardless of whether the education is received via virtual learning
or on campus.
For more information
regarding COVID-19 school communication resources, please visit the Texas
Education Agency (TEA) website.