Immunization/Vaccine information
A student must be fully immunized against certain diseases or must present a certificate or statement that, for medical reasons or reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, the student will not be immunized. For exemptions based on reasons of conscience, only official forms issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), Immunization Branch, can be honored by the district. This form may be obtained online at Texas Immunization Requirements or by writing the DSHS Immunization Branch (MC 1946), P.O. Box 149347, Austin, Texas 78714-9347. The form must be notarized and submitted to the principal or school nurse within 90 days of notarization. Only the original copy will be accepted. If the parent is seeking an exemption for more than one student in the family, a separate form must be provided for each student.
All parents are asked each year to complete a medical care authorization form, providing written parental consent to obtain emergency treatment and information about allergies to medications or drugs. Parents should contact the school nurse to update emergency care information (name of doctor, emergency phone numbers, allergies, etc.). The district may consent to medical treatment, which includes dental treatment, if necessary, for a student if: the district has received written authorization from a person having the right to consent; that person cannot be contacted; and that person has not given the district actual notice to the contrary. The emergency care authorization form will be used by the district when a student’s parent or authorized designee is unable to be contacted. A student may provide consent if authorized by law or court order. Regardless of parental authorization for the district to consent to medical treatment, district employees will contact emergency medical services to provide emergency care when required by law or when deemed necessary, such as to avoid a life-threatening situation.
The immunizations required for Kindergarten through 12th grade are: Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; Polio; Measles, Mumps, and Rubella; Hepatitis B; Varicella (chicken pox); Meningococcal; Hepatitis A.
Kindergarten through 12th grade: K-12 Immunization Minimum Requirements
PK3 and PK4 students: Childcare/PK Immunization Minimum Requirements
The school nurse can provide information on immunization requirements. Proof of immunization may be established by personal records from a licensed physician or public health clinic with a signature or rubber-stamp validation. The nurse will review immunization records and notify the parent or guardian of missing vaccinations. The student must be up to date on the required vaccines. Failure to do so could result in unenrollment from RCISD. If a student should not be immunized for medical reasons, the student or parent must present a certificate signed by a U.S. registered and licensed physician stating that, in the doctor’s opinion, the immunization required is medically contraindicated or poses a significant risk to the health and well-being of the student or a member of the student’s family or household. This certificate must be renewed yearly unless the physician specifies a lifelong condition.
Entering college students must also, with limited exception, furnish evidence of having received a bacterial meningitis vaccination within the five years prior to enrolling in and attending classes at an institution of higher education. A student wanting to enroll in a dual credit course taken off campus may be subject to this or other vaccination requirements. For more information see the DSHS website: Texas School & Child Care Facility Immunization Requirements.
The Sweetwater - Nolan County Health Department provides immunizations and flu vaccines. The department can be found at 301 E. 12th Street in Sweetwater, Texas 79556. Their phone number is: 325-235-5463.
Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department Website
Texas Department of State Health Services
Updated bacterial meningitis information requirements
Immunization Exemption Affidavit