In Texas, students seeking exemption from mandatory immunizations for higher education can request a conscientious exemption affidavit through Texas Human Health Services. This process is overseen by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), a part of the Texas Human Health Services system. This guide clarifies how to obtain the necessary affidavit, ensuring compliance and understanding of the procedures established by Texas Human Health Services.
Obtaining Your Affidavit from Texas Human Health Services
The method for requesting an affidavit varies depending on the type of higher education institution you plan to attend. Texas Human Health Services streamlines the process, offering online and traditional methods to cater to different needs.
For Community Colleges and Public Junior Colleges
Students enrolling in a community college or public junior college have the convenience of an online portal. Texas Human Health Services provides a dedicated Meningococcal Vaccination Exemption Website where you can directly generate and print your conscientious exemption affidavit. This online system simplifies the process for these institutions.
For All Other Institutions of Higher Education
For universities and other higher education institutions beyond community and junior colleges, the affidavit request process is slightly different but still managed by Texas Human Health Services. To obtain the affidavit form, you must formally request it from the department. This request can be submitted through various channels managed by Texas Human Health Services: online, by mail, by fax, or even hand-delivered.
When submitting your request to Texas Human Health Services, ensure you include the following essential information:
- Full Name of the child or student requiring the exemption.
- Date of Birth (month/day/year) of the child or student.
- Complete Mailing Address, including a telephone number for contact.
- Number of Affidavit Forms needed (requests are limited to a maximum of five).
Texas Human Health Services processes these requests efficiently. You can expect your requested affidavit forms to be processed and mailed to you within one week of receipt. Be sure to provide accurate information to avoid delays. Texas Human Health Services will notify you if any additional details are needed to complete your request. Note that email and telephone requests are not accepted; you must use one of the official methods outlined by Texas Human Health Services.
Here are the approved methods for submitting your affidavit request to Texas Human Health Services:
Request Online:
The most efficient method is through the Immunization Section’s Affidavit Request website, managed by Texas Human Health Services.
Request By Mail:
You can send a written request via mail through the U.S. Postal Service or another commercial carrier to the following address under Texas Human Health Services:
Texas Department of State Health Services
Immunization Section, Mail Code 1946
P.O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
Request By Fax:
Fax your written affidavit requests to Texas Human Health Services at: 512-776-7544.
Request In Person:
You can also make your request in person at the Texas Department of State Health Services building, part of Texas Human Health Services, located at:
Texas Department of State Health Services
1100 West 49th Street
Austin, Texas 78756
Important Note: Affidavits are not issued immediately for hand-delivered requests. Regardless of how you submit your request, all affidavit forms will be mailed to you via U.S. Postal Service by Texas Human Health Services.
By following these guidelines from Texas Human Health Services, students can effectively navigate the process of requesting a conscientious exemption affidavit for required immunizations in Texas higher education.
