Which Texas Schools are Least Protected from Measles?
A majority of the school systems in Texas that have less than 70% of their kindergarteners vaccinated are privately run, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. In the North Texas area, childhood vaccination rates for measles are lowest among private schools. Here are some of the schools with the lowest vaccination rates in the state.
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Mercy Culture Preparatory, a K-12 private school in Fort Worth, has the lowest rate in Texas at 14.3%. It’s one of six facilities in North Texas that have less than 50% of its kindergarten population vaccinated — five are private schools, one is a public charter school. Administrators from Mercy Culture did not immediately respond to requests for comment over email and phone Friday.
Measles Outbreak in Texas
Texas is facing a measles outbreak with nearly 150 cases across the state, according to a Friday morning update from state officials. North Texas reported its first confirmed measles case in Rockwall County on Wednesday.
Vaccination Requirements and Exemptions
Texas requires public and private school students to receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Parents can apply for an exemption for "reasons of conscience," including "a religious or personal belief that goes against getting immunized." The state collects data from public school districts, private schools, and charters on kindergarteners and seventh graders who are vaccinated and those who seek exemptions. Some districts, such as Dallas ISD, encompass numerous schools and can include thousands of children. Meanwhile, many private schools have only a few hundred students. This means it takes fewer exemptions to have a greater impact on vaccination rates in private schools.
The Importance of Herd Immunity
Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world and spreads mostly among unvaccinated people. For a community to be protected, enough residents must be vaccinated to provide "herd immunity." For measles, that means 95% of people must be vaccinated for the community to be protected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Children from Measles
Officials from the Dallas County Health and Human Services urged parents to check children’s immunization records and schedule vaccination if they have not yet received them, according to a notice sent Thursday. Unvaccinated students who are exposed to measles must stay home for up to 21 days, the length of the incubation period, according to state law. If a measles case is identified on a campus, unvaccinated students may be asked to seek immediate medical evaluation and to not participate in extracurricular activities, according to the county’s notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current measles outbreak situation in Texas?
A: Texas is facing a measles outbreak with nearly 150 cases across the state.
Q: What are the vaccination requirements for school students in Texas?
A: Texas requires public and private school students to receive two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine.
Q: Can parents apply for an exemption from vaccination?
A: Yes, parents can apply for an exemption for "reasons of conscience," including "a religious or personal belief that goes against getting immunized."
Q: What is herd immunity, and how is it related to measles?
A: Herd immunity is the protection of a community from a disease when a sufficient percentage of the population is immune to it. For measles, that means 95% of people must be vaccinated for the community to be protected.
Q: What should I do if my child is exposed to measles?
A: If your child is exposed to measles, they must stay home for up to 21 days, the length of the incubation period, and may be asked to seek immediate medical evaluation and not participate in extracurricular activities.
