Higher-education institutions may require certain student immunizations, but several exceptions apply.
Sec. 51.933. IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS; EXCEPTION. (a) An institution of higher education may require applicants for admission to be immunized against diphtheria, rubeola, rubella, mumps, tetanus, and poliomyelitis, except as provided in Subsection (d). (b) The executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission may require immunizations against the diseases listed in Subsection (a) and additional diseases for students at any institution of higher education who are pursuing a course of study in a human or animal health profession, and the executive commissioner may require those immunizations for any students in times of an emergency or epidemic in a county where the commissioner of state health services has declared such an emergency or epidemic. (b-1) A rule adopted under Subsection (b) that requires a hepatitis B vaccination for students may apply only to students enrolled in a course of study that involves potential exposure to human or animal blood or bodily fluids. (c) An institution of higher education, in conjunction with the Department of State Health Services, should provide individual notice to each student applying for admission regarding: (1) the consequences of not being current on immunization for certain diseases; (2) the age groups most vulnerable to these vaccine preventable diseases; and (3) local providers of immunization services. (d) No form of immunization is required for a person's admission to an institution of higher education if the person applying for admission: (1) submits to the admitting official: (A) an affidavit or a certificate signed by a physician who is duly registered and licensed to practice medicine within the United States in which it is stated that, in the physician's opinion, the immunization required poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the applicant or any member of the applicant's family or household; or (B) an affidavit signed by the applicant or, if a minor, by the applicant's parent or guardian stating that the applicant declines immunization for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief; or (2) is a member of the armed forces of the United States and is on active duty. (d-1) An affidavit submitted under Section (d)(1)(B) must be on a form described by Section 161.0041, Health and Safety Code, and must be submitted to the admitting official not later than the 90th day after the date the affidavit is notarized. (e) The exception provided by Subsection (d)(1)(B) does not apply in a time of emergency or epidemic declared by the commissioner of state health services. Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, Sec. 18, eff. May 30, 1995. Amended by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.161, eff. Sept. 1, 2003. Amended by: Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 466 (S.B. 291), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009. Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1 (S.B. 219), Sec. 6.024, eff. April 2, 2015.