Health officials have announced new vaccination prerequisites for South Carolina students for the approaching academic year.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has revised its annual essential immunization standards for school attendance set for August. The modifications encompass additional vaccines for 3rd, 8th, 9th, and 11th graders, barring certain exemptions.
Changes for the 2023 – 2024 School Year:
3rd grade: two (2) doses of hepatitis A vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and
separated by at least 6 months
8th grade: one (1) dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday.
9th grade: two (2) doses of varicella. A child with a positive history of the disease is considered immune
and is exempt from this requirement.
11th grade: three (3) doses of oral and/or inactivated polio vaccine with at least one (1) dose received on
or after the fourth birthday.
South Carolina law mandates a valid certificate of immunization or a valid exemption from the state. Children devoid of either are prohibited from participating in school and childcare within the state. Non-compliance could lead to audits or legal implications.
Setting up appointments
Given that appointment slots usually get filled rapidly in August, it’s advisable to contact your healthcare provider now to arrange a wellness visit and ensure your child’s immunizations are up-to-date. Vaccination appointments for diseases such as flu, pneumonia, and tetanus can also be organized at any of DHEC’s county health departments.
Visit scdhec.gov/healthclinics or dial DHEC’s Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 to book an appointment.
Is a COVID-19 vaccination mandatory?
According to DHEC, COVID-19 vaccines are not obligatory this year.
Legitimate exemptions in SC
Medical Exemption: The Medical Exemption section of the SC Certificate of Immunization
should only be completed when a child has a permanent or temporary medical reason for
exclusion from receipt of vaccine(s). The Medical Exemption section must be completed by a
licensed Physician (MD or DO) or his/her authorized representative (e.g. Physician’s Assistant
or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse). For temporary medical exemptions, an expiration date
in the future should be documented when next immunizations are due.
Religious Exemption: A religious exemption may be granted to any student whose parent,
guardian, or person in loco parentis signs the appropriate section of the South Carolina
Certificate of Religious Exemption stating that one or more immunizations conflicts with their
religious beliefs. The South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption can only be obtained
from a DHEC health department. The parent or guardian must sign the DHEC form in the
presence of a notary. This exemption may require renewal.
Special Exemption: ASC Certificate of Special Exemption may be issued by the school to a
student that has been unable to secure immunizations or documentation of immunizations
already received. This exemption is only valid for 30 calendar days for the current enrollment
and may be issued only once.
The DHEC Press Release is available here: https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/Final-School-Law-Letter-2023-2024.pdf
