New Vaccine Requirements for South Carolina Students for 2023-24
It’s almost back-to-school time for area students. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has updated its immunization requirements for students to attend school, and students in some grades will require additional vaccinations.
Students in grades 3, 8, 9, and 11 have changes to their vaccine requirements for the upcoming school year unless they have exemptions.
Required changes effective in the 2023-24 school year:
- 3rd grade: Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least six months.
- 8th grade: One dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday.
- 9th grade: Two doses of varicella. A child with a positive history of the disease is considered immune and is exempt from this requirement.
- 11th grade: Three doses of oral and or inactivated polio vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday.
COVID-19 vaccines are not required, according to DHEC. Health officials do, however, recommend that everyone six months and older receive a COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves.
Valid Vaccine Exemptions in South Carolina:
- 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 vaccines. The Medical Exemption section must be completed by a licensed physician or his or her authorized representative, such as a 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 or guardian 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.
- Special Exemption: A SC 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.
Visit scdhec.gov/healthclinics or call DHEC’s Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 for more information or to make an appointment for vaccinations.
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