# Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.004: STATEWIDE IMMUNIZATION OF CHILDREN

> Texas · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.004

## Section

- **Citation:** Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.004
- **Heading:** STATEWIDE IMMUNIZATION OF CHILDREN
- **Jurisdiction:** Texas
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** TX Code / Code hs / Chapter 161 / Section 161.004

## Text

(a) Every child in the state shall be immunized against vaccine preventable diseases caused by infectious agents in accordance with the immunization schedule adopted in department rules.

(b) Hospitals shall be responsible for:

(1) referring newborns for immunization at the time the newborn screening test is performed;

(2) reviewing the immunization history of every child admitted to the hospital or examined in the hospital's emergency room or outpatient clinic; and

(3) administering needed vaccinations or referring the child for immunization.

(c) Physicians shall be responsible for reviewing the immunization history of every child examined and administering any needed vaccinations or referring the child for immunization.

(d) A child is exempt from an immunization required by this section if:

(1) a parent, managing conservator, or guardian states that the immunization is being declined for reasons of conscience, including a religious belief; or

(2) the immunization is medically contraindicated based on the opinion of a physician licensed by any state in the United States who has examined the child.

(e) For purposes of this section, "child" means a person under 18 years of age.

(f) The executive commissioner shall adopt rules that are necessary to administer this section.

(g) A parent, managing conservator, or guardian may choose the health care provider who administers the vaccine or immunizing agent under this chapter.

## Nearby sections

- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.0001 § 161.0001. DEFINITIONS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.0001.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.001 § 161.001. LIABILITY OF PERSON WHO ORDERS OR ADMINISTERS IMMUNIZATION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.001.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.002 § 161.002. INADMISSIBILITY OF IMMUNIZATION SURVEY INFORMATION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.002.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.003 § 161.003. IMMUNIZATION REMINDER NOTICES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.003.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.004 § 161.004. STATEWIDE IMMUNIZATION OF CHILDREN.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.004.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.005 § 161.005. IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.005.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.006 § 161.006. DEPARTMENT IMMUNIZATION SERVICE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.006.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.007 § 161.007. IMMUNIZATION REGISTRY; REPORTS TO DEPARTMENT.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.007.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.008 § 161.008. IMMUNIZATION RECORD.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.008.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.009 § 161.009. PENALTIES FOR DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.009.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.010 § 161.010. IMMUNIZATION EDUCATION; STATEWIDE COALITION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.010.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.011 § 161.011. PERMISSION REQUIRED.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.011.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.012 § 161.012. CRIMINAL PENALTIES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.012.md)
- [Tex. Health and Safety Code § 161.021 § 161.021. AUTHORIZATION TO PROVIDE INFORMATION; USE OF INFORMATION; LIABILITY.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.021.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TX_Chs_C161_S161.004. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.