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Bucking Texas decline in vaccination, El Paso public schools record high immunization rates - El Paso Matters
Texas HHSC (Google News) · July 30, 2026
In plain language
While many parts of Texas are seeing a drop in childhood vaccinations, El Paso schools have maintained high immunization rates. The county recently reported that more than 97% of its kindergarten and seventh-grade students are vaccinated, which is higher than the state average. This level of coverage helps create herd immunity, protecting the whole community from contagious diseases like measles and whooping cough. Local health experts credit this success to strong trust between families and their healthcare providers.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- El Paso kindergarteners had the highest vaccination rates among the 10 most populated Texas counties last year.
- Texas requires six different vaccinations for students entering kindergarten and an additional one for seventh graders.
- Exemption rates for required school vaccines are rising across Texas, falling below the 95% threshold needed for herd immunity.
- Private schools in Texas generally report lower immunization levels and more vaccine exemptions than public schools.
- Health officials note that vaccine hesitancy is often fueled by online misinformation regarding safety and timing.
Bucking Texas decline in vaccination, El Paso public schools record high immunization rates El Paso Matters
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