On Monday, the CDC announced it was reducing the number of recommended vaccines for all children including the influenza, hepatitis A and B, and RSV vaccines, with high-risk groups still being recommended the shots. While this change does not affect the availability of the removed vaccines, the move has been called ‘dangerous and unnecessary’ by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
With this volatile public health context in mind, we believe it is important that you stay informed about vaccine uptake and exemptions in Texas. House Bill 1586, passed during the 89th legislature, makes it easier for parents to claim a non-medical vaccine exemption. Here’s what you need to know:
HB 1586, which took effect last September, simplifies the process for claiming a non-medical vaccine exemption.
Its core change is technical: instead of requiring parents to request a physical exemption form from the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) by mail, the form must now be available online for downloading and printing.
The legislation also removes the requirement that the forms include a physical security seal and prohibits DSHS from recording anyone’s personal identifying information when the form is accessed or downloaded. Health officials retain the option, but no longer the obligation, to track how many times the form is accessed online. DSHS must update the form within 30 days of the law’s effective date.
How does this impact schools, families, and public health?
For school districts, the bill introduces no new responsibilities; schools will still accept notarized exemption affidavits. Proponents assert that making the form downloadable removes a logistical barrier that previously slowed exemptions and, in turn, delayed student enrollment. Parents, especially those in rural or under-resourced communities, may benefit from quicker, easier access to paperwork if they are choosing to seek an exemption.
Public health experts warn that the bill may fuel further declines in vaccination coverage. This year, Texas has seen the worst measles outbreak since 2000, with over 700 confirmed cases and two child deaths. Exemption requests have nearly doubled since 2018, reaching more than 90,000 last year. Critics argue that easing the process of opting out does more than streamline access; it actively encourages exemptions and puts herd immunity and broader community health at risk.
What should educators do next?
Educators can work with health officials to monitor immunization trends in their communities, prepare for potential enrollment or attendance fluctuations, and reinforce vaccine education through parent communications and school nurse consultations.