Department of Public Health urges parents to vaccinate children ahead of school year

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – The South Carolina Department of Public Health reminds parents to make sure their children are up to date with all required vaccines ahead of the 2024-25 school year.

Officials say children enrolled in school are required to be current on certain vaccinations at the start of each school year.

According to the department, this helps protect the health of children, teachers, and school staff who are in group settings every day.

“Vaccines are a safe and effective way of protecting our children from diseases like chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps and measles,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DPH Deputy Director for Health Promotion and Services and Chief Medical Officer.

To view the current vaccination requirements, click here .

“Appointment slots will fill up quickly before the school year starts, so parents are urged to schedule an appointment as early as possible to ensure your child is up to date on required and recommended vaccinations and they don’t miss school for not meeting requirements,” Dr. Trazler added.

COVID-19 and flu vaccines are not required but the department recommends everyone six months and older to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccinations to protect themselves and others.

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