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 Pearland
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 concerning trend for Pearland 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 fact that the statewide kindergarten exemption rate has doubled since the pandemic is especially troubling, as it may indicate a growing distrust of vaccines among some parents. As Pearland students return to school, it will be crucial for local health officials and educators to monitor vaccination rates and exemption trends, and to develop strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting public health in the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 Pearland 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 Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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