There are new SC student vaccine requirements for the 2023-24 school year. Is your child ready?
Some South Carolina students have new vaccine requirements for the upcoming school year, health officials say.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has updated its annual minimum immunization requirements for students to attend school in August. Those changes include additional vaccinations for students in 3rd, 8th, 9th and 11th grades, unless they have certain exemptions.
South Carolina state law requires a valid S.C. certificate of immunization or valid exemption. Children without either of those are not allowed to attend school and or childcare in the state. Failure to comply with the law may result in audits and or legal action.
Changes for the 2023-24 school year
- 3rd grade: Two does 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.
Making appointments
Appointment slots typically fill up quickly in August, so now is the time to call your health care provider to schedule a well visit and make sure your child is up to date on required and recommended vaccinations. Appointments for certain vaccines, including for flu, pneumonia, and tetanus, can also be made at one of DHEC’s county health departments.
Visit scdhec.gov/healthclinics or call DHEC’s Care Line at 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment.
Is there a COVID-19 vaccine requirement?
COVID-19 vaccines are not required this year, DHEC states. However, DHEC and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommend everyone six months and older receive a COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves and others. Talk to a pediatrician or find a free COVID-19 vaccine provider near you by clicking here.
Valid vaccine 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 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.
Full list of minimum SC vaccine requirements for 2023-24
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis — Grades 5-12
Four doses of any combination of DTP,DT,DTaP, Td, or Tdap vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday. Refer to the currently published ACIP Catch Up Schedule for guidance on recommendations for students who are behind. For children 7 years of age and older following a catch-up schedule, three doses may be acceptable.
Tdap booster — Grades 7-8
One dose of Tdap vaccine. This dose of Tdap may be included as one of the doses needed to meet the requirement for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. The vaccine must be given on or after the child’s 10th birthday.
Tdap booster — Grades 9-12
One dose of Tdap vaccine. This dose of Tdap may be included as one of the doses needed to meet the requirement for Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis. The vaccine must be given on or after the child’s seventh birthday.
Polio — Grades 5-11
Three doses of oral and or inactivated polio vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday.
Polio — Grades 12
Three doses of oral and or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday or four four doses of oral and or inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) before fourth birthday (if all doses separated by at least 4 weeks)
Follow CDC recommendations for students 18 years of age and older.
Measles, mumps and rubella — Grades 5-12
Two doses of MMR vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least four weeks.
Hepatitis A — Grades 5-3
Two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least six months.
Hepatitis B — Grades 5-12
Three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, with the third dose received after 24 weeks of age and at least 16 weeks after the first dose.
Varicella — Grades 5-9
Two doses of varicella vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least four weeks or a positive history of disease.
Varicella — Grades 10-12
One dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday or positive history of disease.
