Texas Daycare Vaccine Checklist 2026: What Houston Parents Need Before Flu, RSV, and Measles Season

Getting your child ready for daycare involves more than preparing clothes and supplies. Houston parents should also make sure their child’s vaccines are up to date and that they understand seasonal protection against illnesses such as flu, RSV, and measles.

Texas Daycare Vaccine Requirements 2026

Texas childcare facilities generally require children to have age-appropriate immunizations unless they qualify for an applicable exemption. Common vaccines include:

• DTaP

• Polio

• Hepatitis B

• Hib

• Pneumococcal

• MMR

• Varicella

• Hepatitis A

Requirements depend on your child’s age and vaccination history. If your child has missed doses, a pediatrician can create a catch-up schedule—you typically do not need to restart a vaccine series.

Back-to-Daycare Vaccine Checklist

Before daycare begins:

1. Find and review your child’s vaccine records.

2. Confirm your daycare’s documentation requirements.

3. Schedule a pediatric vaccine review early.

4. Ask about any needed catch-up vaccines.

5. Plan for seasonal flu vaccination.

6. Ask whether your infant is eligible for RSV prevention.

7. Keep a digital copy of your child’s records.

Don’t Forget MMR

The MMR vaccine protects against measles, mumps, and rubella. Children typically receive the first dose at 12–15 months and the second at 4–6 years. If your child is behind, your pediatrician can recommend the appropriate catch-up schedule.

Flu and RSV Protection

Children in daycare are frequently exposed to respiratory illnesses. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most children, and some young children receiving flu vaccination for the first time may need two doses.

For infants, ask your pediatrician about available RSV preventive options, including eligibility and timing for the upcoming respiratory season.

When Should You Book?

Ideally, schedule your child’s vaccine and daycare-readiness visit several weeks before daycare starts or respiratory season becomes more active. This gives you time to locate records, complete any needed vaccines, and handle daycare paperwork.

At Pristine Health, our pediatric team helps Houston families review immunization records, catch up on missed vaccines, and prepare children for daycare and the upcoming respiratory season.

If your child needs daycare forms, routine immunizations, a flu shot, or an RSV and measles protection review, book an appointment with Pristine Health today. We are proud to help Houston families head into daycare season feeling prepared, informed, and supported.