schools
Measles vaccination rate for Texas kindergarteners increased slightly after 2025 outbreak
By Terri Langford, Texas Tribune, Dan Keemahill, Texas Tribune at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS)
· July 2, 2026
· 1 min read
Despite the spike in demand for measles shots following the deadly 2025 outbreak, exemptions on all vaccines for schoolchildren rose after the release of a downloadable exemption form.
Why this matters in The Bellaire
The slight increase in measles vaccination rates for Texas kindergarteners is a step in the right direction for Bellaire families, but the rise in exemptions for all vaccines is a concerning trend. In a community like Bellaire, where schools are a hub of activity, maintaining high vaccination rates is crucial to preventing the spread of infectious diseases. The introduction of a downloadable exemption form may have contributed to the increase in exemptions, and it will be important to monitor how this affects vaccination rates in local schools. Bellaire parents and educators should be aware of the potential risks associated with lower vaccination rates and take steps to educate their communities about the importance of immunization. As the new school year approaches, Bellaire's public health officials will need to keep a close eye on vaccination rates and work to address any gaps in coverage.
About this story
Original reporting by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . The Bellaire 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 Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 2, 2026 ·
Source: Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Despite the spike in demand for measles shots following the deadly 2025 outbreak, exemptions on all vaccines for schoolchildren rose after the release of a downloadable exemption form.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 2, 2026 by Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS) and curated for The Bellaire readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Terri Langford, Texas Tribune, Dan Keemahill, Texas Tribune at Houston Public Media (NPR/PBS). To learn more about how The Bellaire selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Bellaire, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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