There are changes to SC student vaccine requirements for the 2025-26 school year. What to know
South Carolina has new vaccine requirements for some students before the upcoming school year, health officials say.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health has updated its annual minimum immunization requirements for students to attend school in August. The updates include specific vaccination changes for students in fifth grade and seventh through 12th grade, unless they have certain exemptions.
South Carolina state law requires a valid S.C. certificate of immunization or a valid exemption. Children without either of those are not allowed to attend school or childcare in the state. Failure to comply with the law may result in audits or legal action.
Changes for the 2025-26 SC school year
- 7th - 12th grade: One dose of Tdap vaccine on or after the 10th birthday.
- 11th grade: Two doses of varicella. A child with a positive history of the disease is considered immune and is exempt from this requirement.
- 5th grade: Two doses of hepatitis A vaccine with both doses received on or after the first birthday and separated by at least six months.
Appointments for certain vaccines, including for flu, pneumonia, and tetanus, can also be made at public health clinics.
You can also make an appointment by calling 1-855-472-3432.
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 conflict with their religious beliefs. The South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption can only be obtained from a DPH department. The parent or guardian must sign the DPH 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 2025-26
Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis — Grades 5K-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 7-12
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 10th birthday.
Polio — Grades 5K-12
Three doses of oral and or inactivated polio vaccine with at least one dose received on or after the fourth birthday.
Measles, mumps and rubella — Grades 5K-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 5K-5
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 5K-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 5K-11
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 12
One dose of varicella vaccine received on or after the first birthday or a positive history of disease.
This story was originally published July 15, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
