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 / 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 The Piney Point
The slight increase in measles vaccination rate among Texas kindergarteners is a step in the right direction for Piney Point Village and surrounding areas, but the rising conscientious exemption rate is a concern. With nearly 3% of K-12 students in the survey having a conscientious exemption for at least one vaccine, local schools and health officials must be vigilant in monitoring vaccination rates and preventing outbreaks. The impact of the 2025 West Texas measles outbreak, which resulted in the deaths of two school-age children, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vaccination. As the exemption rate in Texas kindergarteners has doubled since the pandemic, local health officials will need to work closely with schools and parents to educate them on the benefits of vaccination and address any concerns they may have. This collaboration will be crucial in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for students in Piney Point Village.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point 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 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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