Texas Vaccination Rates Dropped Following HB-1586
The 2025 legislation simplified exemption requests, impacting MMR coverage levels across the state.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in COVID-19
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Following the 2025 passage of HB-1586, which allowed parents to obtain immunization exemption forms via the DSHS website, Texas saw a decline in childhood vaccination rates. The drop has contributed to measles outbreaks in the state, falling short of the 95% threshold required for herd immunity.
Why it matters
Low vaccination coverage threatens the national goal of measles elimination achieved in 2000 by making communities vulnerable to outbreaks. HB-1586 was intended to ease the exemption process, but experts note it coincided with rising vaccine hesitancy and decreased coverage.
In 2025, West Texas recorded 762 confirmed measles cases and two pediatric deaths. North Texas kindergarteners currently maintain a 91.53% MMR vaccination rate, remaining below the 95% standard needed to prevent outbreaks.
The players
Texas Department of State Health Services
This state agency manages public health records and provides access to immunization exemption forms.
Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County
This organization hosts vaccination events to assist uninsured or underinsured children in obtaining required shots.
Tarrant County Public Health
This local government department co-hosts vaccination clinics to improve immunization access in the region.
The details
The Texas Department of State Health Services now hosts exemption forms online, a change implemented by HB-1586 for families seeking nonmedical conscientious exemptions. Despite efforts to boost immunity, such as the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County (ICTC) vaccinating 4,000 children in three weeks, overall rates have struggled to recover from the impact of increased exemption usage.
Timeline
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000.
The ICTC was founded in 1991 following a previous measles outbreak.
The Texas Legislature passed HB-1586 in 2025 during a measles outbreak.
North Texas reported measles clusters throughout 2026.
Health Landscape
The passage of HB-1586 marks a significant departure from previous immunization administration protocols in Texas. This change mirrors national debates regarding the balance between individual conscientious exemptions and collective herd immunity goals.
Parents must weigh the impact of choosing nonmedical exemptions on the immunity status of their children and the wider community. Families can access resources for uninsured or underinsured children through public health collaboration clinics in Tarrant County.
The takeaway
Maintaining high vaccination rates is essential to preventing the return of diseases like measles that were previously considered eliminated. Communities can improve local protection by utilizing public health resources to ensure children remain up to date on recommended immunizations.
Further reading
For additional context on immunization trends, visit COVID-19.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Weekly.
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