Texas Vaccination Resources

TMA references vaccine recommendations based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence.

Examples include but are not limited to those provided by physician professional organizations, such as:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• The American College of Physicians (ACP)
• The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)

Or other public health, health department, or medical professional organization recommendations and resources when based on peer-reviewed scientific evidence.

NOTE: Please Read TMA's Vaccine Disclaimer

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Texas Vaccination Requirements

Vaccines are the best defense we have against infectious diseases like whooping cough, measles, tetanus, hepatitis B, and diphtheria. The Texas Immunization Unit assists doctors in keeping Texans healthy by providing resources to increase public access to low-cost vaccines for children and adults, coverage statistics, and information on the immunization registry. Texas law allows physicians to write medical exemption statements for vaccines that would be medically harmful or injurious to the health and well-being of the child or a household member. Parents or guardians can also choose a conscientious exemption from immunization requirements for school and daycare.

Requirements for All Texans

Information for Health-Care Providers

Providing immunizations for vaccine-preventable diseases is a priority for all physicians. Doctors can help eliminate the spread of infectious diseases by using resources from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) that address proper vaccine storage, required record keeping, vaccine licensure dates, patient education, access for children, a binational immunization equivalency tool, vaccine safety standards, and more.

Contract Documents, Forms, and Provider Information

TMA's Vaccine Disclaimer

NOTICE: This publication, the Texas Medical Association’s (TMA)’s interim policy, and any reference made by TMA to any entity’s immunization schedules, vaccination recommendations and resources (hereinafter “the Vaccine-related Information”) is intended for general informational purposes only. The Vaccine-related Information does not constitute medical advice or legal advice and does not ensure a successful outcome. The Vaccine-related Information does not substitute for the advice of an attorney or a physician’s own professional judgment or the judgment of other clinicians in the physician’s practice. Physicians should consult with their own privately retained attorney for specific legal advice related to vaccines.  Physicians should consult with their own professional liability carrier for risk management information and to discuss their liability coverage and any exclusions under their liability policies (e.g., to determine if COVID-19 vaccine protections are included or excluded).   Administering or prescribing a vaccine to an individual outside of the current FDA label would be considered “off label” use.  Physicians should consult their own liability insurance to see if “off label” prescribing is covered for each vaccine to be prescribed or administered. Physicians should also check with their health insurance company/third-party payors regarding their vaccine coverage policies, including for off-label use.  Coverage and reimbursement may vary based upon payor. The Vaccine-related Information is not intended to establish medical standards of care for the purposes of litigation, including expert testimony. The standard of care is dependent upon the particular facts and circumstances of each individual case and no generalization can be made that would apply to all cases. Reference to the Vaccine-related Information of a particular entity does not constitute an express or implied endorsement of the referenced entity or the referenced entity’s Vaccine-related information.  TMA does not guarantee that any referenced entity’s Vaccine-related information is based on peer-reviewed, scientific evidence, and subject to independent expert review. Although TMA has attempted to present materials that are accurate and useful, some material may be outdated and TMA shall not be liable to anyone for any inaccuracy, error or omission, regardless of cause, or for any damages resulting therefrom. Certain links provided with this information connect to websites maintained by third parties. TMA has no control over these websites, or the information, goods or services provided by third parties. TMA shall have no liability for any use or reliance by a user on these third-party websites or information provided by third parties. For non-physicians reading this Vaccine-related Information, TMA notes that the Vaccine-related Information does not substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. Consulting a personal physician is always a good practice when faced with health issues to obtain specific medical advice taking into consideration each person’s medical situation. Persons should not rely on this information when dealing with personal health matters; rather medical advice from their own personal physician should be sought.