Sec. 161.0041. IMMUNIZATION EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT FORM. (a) A person claiming an exemption from a required immunization based on reasons of conscience, including a religious belief, under Section 161.004 of this code, Section 38.001, 51.9192, or 51.933, Education Code, or Section 42.043, Human Resources Code, must complete an affidavit on a form provided by the department stating the reason for the exemption. This subsection does not apply to a person claiming the exemption using the Internet-based process under Section 51.9192(d-3), Education Code.
(b) The affidavit must be signed by the person claiming the exemption or, if the person is a minor, the person's parent, managing conservator, or guardian, and the affidavit must be notarized.
(c) A person claiming an exemption from a required immunization under this section may only obtain the affidavit form by submitting a written request for the affidavit form to the department.
(d) The department shall develop a blank affidavit form that contains a seal or other security device to prevent reproduction of the form. The affidavit form shall contain a statement indicating that the person or, if a minor, the person's parent, managing conservator, or guardian understands the benefits and risks of immunizations and the benefits and risks of not being immunized.
(e) The department shall maintain a record of the total number of affidavit forms sent out each year and shall report that information to the legislature each year. The department may not maintain a record of the names of individuals who request an affidavit under this section.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 198, Sec. 2.163, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 729 (S.B. 62), Sec. 2, eff. October 1, 2013.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subtitle H - Public Health Provisions
Chapter 161 - Public Health Provisions
Section 161.001. Liability of Person Who Orders or Administers Immunization
Section 161.002. Inadmissibility of Immunization Survey Information
Section 161.003. Immunization Reminder Notices
Section 161.004. Statewide Immunization of Children
Section 161.0041. Immunization Exemption Affidavit Form
Section 161.005. Immunizations Required
Section 161.0051. Required Immunizations for Nursing Homes
Section 161.006. Department Immunization Service
Section 161.007. Immunization Registry; Reports to Department
Section 161.00706. First Responder Immunization Information
Section 161.00707. Information and Education for First Responders
Section 161.00708. Access to First Responder Immunization History
Section 161.0071. Notice of Receipt of Registry Data; Exclusion From Registry
Section 161.0072. Providing Immunization Information to Department
Section 161.0073. Registry Confidentiality
Section 161.00735. Release and Receipt of Registry Data in Disaster
Section 161.0074. Report to Legislature
Section 161.0075. Immunity From Liability
Section 161.0076. Compliance With Federal Law
Section 161.008. Immunization Record
Section 161.0085. Covid-19 Vaccine Passports Prohibited
Section 161.009. Penalties for Disclosure of Information
Section 161.0095. Education Programs and Information
Section 161.010. Immunization Education; Statewide Coalition
Section 161.0101. Increase Immunization Awareness
Section 161.01035. Provider Choice System
Section 161.0104. Disaster Preparation
Section 161.0105. Limitation on Liability
Section 161.0106. Respiratory Syncytial Virus; Immunization
Section 161.0107. Electronic Medical Records Systems
Section 161.0109. Human Papillomavirus; Vaccines Education Materials