DPH Vaccine Programs: Eligibility
The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) offers immunization programs for eligible adults and children.
If you or your child has health insurance, you should maximize your health insurance benefits through your medical home. DPH is unable to bill private health insurance.
Exemptions from School Vaccine Requirements
What Type of Immunization Exemptions are Available in South Carolina?
Medical and religious exemptions are the only available immunization exemptions in South Carolina.
School Vaccination Coverage Data
South Carolina Code Section 44-29-180 (A) requires schools to maintain records of vaccinations or immunizations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Vaccinations
Important Notice About Vaccine Exemptions (e.g., work waiver)
- DPH does not provide medical or religious exemptions to adults required by their employers to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- DPH has no role in an employer’s decision to require vaccinations.
- South Carolina law only allows medical or religious exemptions to vaccine requirements for daycare and school-aged children. That policy can be found here.
Flu Vaccine Safety
Getting vaccinated is your best protection the flu. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that almost everyone 6 months of age and older get vaccinated against the flu every year. If you have high-risk conditions including asthma and heart disease, you should get vaccinated as early as possible each flu season.
Preteen & Teen Vaccines
All teens need vaccines to protect against whooping cough, meningitis and some cancers.
Tdap Vaccine
- This vaccine is required for all seventh graders in South Carolina.
International Travel Vaccines
What Vaccines are Needed for International Travel?
Immunization recommendations vary by country. To find the most up to date recommendations, go to CDC's Travelers' Health website and search by your destination country. In addition, it is recommended that you be up to date with routine immunizations, including the flu vaccine. Talk to your health care provider, pharmacist or local health department about whether you are up to date.