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 (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The slight increase in measles vaccination rates among Texas kindergarteners is a step in the right direction, but the rising number of conscientious exemptions is a concern for Sugar Land 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 face challenges in maintaining herd immunity. The increase in exemption rates is particularly notable in kindergarten and 7th grade, where vaccination requirements are crucial for preventing outbreaks. As Sugar Land students return to school, it's crucial for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to work together to promote vaccine education and awareness, addressing concerns and misconceptions that may be driving the rise in exemptions. By doing so, the community can help protect vulnerable students and prevent future outbreaks, ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for all.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land 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 (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
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 (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land 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 (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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