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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· 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 Magnolia News
The slight increase in measles vaccination rates among Texas kindergarteners is a welcome development, particularly in the aftermath of the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak. However, the concurrent rise in conscientious exemptions is a concern for Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located. With exemption rates doubling since the pandemic, local schools and health officials must remain vigilant in monitoring vaccination coverage and addressing potential outbreaks. The fact that nearly 3% of K-12 students in the survey had a conscientious exemption for at least one vaccine on file at their schools translates to a significant number of students in Magnolia's schools who may be vulnerable to vaccine-preventable diseases. As the community moves forward, it will be crucial to balance the rights of parents to make informed choices for their children with the need to protect public health and prevent outbreaks.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia 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: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
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 KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Texas Tribune, By Terri Langford, Data Analysis And Graphics By Dan Keemahill at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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