schools
Measles vaccination rate for Texas kindergarteners increased slightly after 2025 outbreak
By Terri Langford and Dan Keemahill, The Texas Tribune at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· July 3, 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 Waco
The slight increase in measles vaccination rates among Texas kindergarteners is a welcome development, but the rising number of conscientious exemptions is a concern for Waco 's public health. 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 outbreaks and preventing the spread of diseases. 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 vaccines among some parents. As Waco's schools and community continue to navigate the complexities of vaccine exemptions and public health, it will be crucial to maintain open lines of communication between parents, educators, and health professionals to ensure that all students are protected and healthy. The city's health department and school district should be prepared to respond quickly in the event of an outbreak.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The Waco 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 KXXV (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 3, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
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 3, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Terri Langford and Dan Keemahill, The Texas Tribune at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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