schools
Measles vaccination rate for Texas kindergarteners increased slightly after 2025 outbreak
By Texas Tribune, By Terri Langford, Data Analysis And Graphics By Dan Keemahill at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio
· July 2, 2026
· 6 min read
While more than 92% of Texas kindergarteners and 7th graders were fully vaccinated in the 2025-26 school year for each vaccine required to attend school, the coverage rates remained lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic, state data released Wednesday shows. Of note in the latest report released...
Key takeaway Of note in the latest report released by the Texas Department of State Health Services, the statewide measles coverage rate of kindergarteners increased from 93.
Why this matters in Terrell Hills News
The slight increase in measles vaccination rates among Texas kindergarteners is a welcome development, especially in the wake of the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak. However, the rising number of conscientious exemptions is a concern for Terrell Hills parents and educators. With nearly 3% of K-12 students in the survey having a conscientious exemption for at least one vaccine, local schools may need to reassess their strategies for promoting vaccine awareness and education. The fact that the statewide kindergarten exemption rate has doubled since the pandemic is particularly troubling, as it suggests a growing mistrust of science and public health guidance. As the new school year approaches, Terrell Hills schools and health officials should be prepared to address the potential consequences of lower vaccination rates and work to rebuild trust in the importance of vaccines for protecting the community's health.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio . Terrell Hills News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: schools ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio ·
Reading time: 6 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? While more than 92% of Texas kindergarteners and 7th graders were fully vaccinated in the 2025-26 school year for each vaccine required to attend school, the coverage rates remained lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic, state data released Wednesday shows. Of note in the latest report released...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio and curated for Terrell Hills News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, By Terri Langford, Data Analysis And Graphics By Dan Keemahill at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) — San Antonio. To learn more about how Terrell Hills News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Terrell Hills News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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