SCDHEC: Immunizations: FAQ

Question:
Are homeschooled children exempt from South Carolina’s school law immunization requirements?

Answer:
South Carolina immunization requirements apply to licensed and church-registered day care centers and all schools, public and private. Home schooling is not included in this regulation. However, if the home schooling curriculum you use is sponsored by one of the home schooling associations, you may want to check with them on their position about immunization.

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Records

Question:
How can I get a copy of my immunization records?

Answer:
Start by asking the doctor’s office or county pubic health department where you received immunizations. Contact numbers for county public health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm. For more information, you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

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Immunization Programs

Question:
What immunization programs exist in South Carolina?

Answer:
Childhood and Adolescent
DHEC offers free childhood and adolescent immunizations to eligible persons through a program called the South Carolina Vaccine Assurance For All Children (VAFAC) Immunization Partnership. This program is available in many private physicians’ offices and most county public health departments. Contact numbers for county public health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm . For more information, you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at
http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

Adult
DHEC also offers adult immunizations for a fee in some county public health departments. Contact numbers for county public health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm . For more information, you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at
http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

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Question:
I am looking for any free or reduced programs pertaining to immunizations for my children.

Answer:
Childhood and Adolescent
DHEC offers free childhood and adolescent immunizations to eligible persons through a program called the South Carolina Vaccine Assurance For All Children (VAFAC) Immunization Partnership. This program is available in many private physicians’ offices and most county public health departments. Contact numbers for countypublic health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm. For more information, you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

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Question:
Where can I find resources regarding SC Immunization law?

Answer:
The following link references S.C. Immunization law (SC Code 44-29-180-190) : http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/statmast.htm

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Question:
What are some resources for vaccine information?

Answer:
Websites:
National Immunization Program http://www.cdc.gov/nip/
Immunization Action Coalition http://www.immunize.org/
Allied Vaccine Group http://www.vaccine.org/
Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia http://www.chop.edu
National Network for Immunization Information (NNii) www.immunizationinfo.org

Books:
Vaccines: What Every Parent Should Know by Paul Offit, MD
Vaccinating Your Child: Questions and Answers for the Concerned Parent by Sharon Humiston, MD, MPH and Cynthia Good

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International Travel

Question:
Where can I find information about immunizations I will need for traveling?

Answer:
Consult your physician before traveling. Also, the CDC offers information on their travel Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/destinat.htm

Contact your regional immunization program manager at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf

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Question:
Who provides foreign travel immunizations?

Answer:
Link to Yellow Fever immunization providers in South Carolina at http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever/state.asp?StateID=41

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Question:
Where can I find information regarding antimalarial medications?

Answer:
Information regarding antimalaria medications can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/travel/index.htm

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Yellow Fever Immunization

Question:
Where can I get the yellow fever immunization?

Answer:
Link to Yellow Fever immunization providers in South Carolina at
http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever/state.asp?StateID=41

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Question:
We are a travel medicine clinic that offers all kinds of vaccinations, including one for yellow fever . How can we be listed on your site as a yellow fever vaccination provider?

Answer:
Yellow Fever vaccine providers must receive authorization from DHEC’s State Epidemiologist. This is the procedure:

The requesting physician (must be a S.C. licensed physician) must send a letter of request to the DHEC State Epidemiologist – James J. Gibson, MD, MPH, Bureau of Disease Control, Box 101106, Columbia, S.C. 29211. The letter should request authorization to become a Yellow Fever vaccine provider in S.C..

Upon Dr. Gibson’s approval, the Immunization Division requisitions that a Yellow Fever stamp be created (stamp usually ready in two weeks).

Once the stamp is received in the Immunization Division, the provider’s identifying information is added to the CDC Yellow Fever Web site
http://www2.ncid.cdc.gov/travel/yellowfever/state.asp?StateID=41

The Immunization Division prepares a Yellow Fever vaccine provider starter kit that is mailed to the requesting physician.

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Hepatitis B Immunization

Question:
Where can I get hepatitis B immunizations?

Answer:
Childhood and Adolescent
DHEC offers free childhood and adolescent immunizations to eligible persons through a program called the South Carolina Vaccine Assurance For All Children (VAFAC) Immunization Partnership. This program is available in all county public health departments and many private physicians’ offices. Contact numbers for county public health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm. For more information, you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

Adult
DHEC also offers adult immunizations for a fee in some county public health departments. Contact numbers for county public health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm. For more information, you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

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Question:
Is there a difference between North Carolina and South Carolina on the hepatitis B immunization intervals? If so, is there a Web site that you can refer me to?

Answer:
Health care providers in all states work from the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This Web link
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/PDF/rr/rr5102.pdf is for the ACIP General Recommendations on Immunization (MMWR, February, 2002), which recommends timing and spacing of immunobiologics, and the recommended and minimum ages and intervals between vaccine doses (see Page 3).

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Question:
In what year did South Carolina begin requiring hepatitis B immunizations in both public and private schools. In addition, what is required to verify that these immunizations were received?

Answer:
Under authorization of SC Law 44-29-180 (applies to both public and private schools) and Regulation 61-8, DHEC started requiring hepatitis B vaccination for all students in kindergarten, first, and seventh grades in the 1998-1999 school year. Regulation 61-8 specifies that “proof of immunization” is the South Carolina Certificate of Immunization issued by a licensed physician. For additional information on this topic, please go tohttp://www.scdhec.gov/hs/diseasecont/immunization/docs/School Requirements for 2006_2007.pdf

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Question:
Is a hepatitis B titer among the services DHEC offers to the public?

Answer:
S.C.C DHEC's lab does not routinely do titers for routine vaccinations. In the case of hepatitis B, it may be difficult to identify antibodies after three or more months following the last of the three doses of vaccine, although protection remains. You may request this service from your private physician

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Influenza Immunization

Question:
Where can I find an influenza vaccination?

Answer:

1. Contact numbers for county public health departments can be found at
     http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm.

2. For more information you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’      contact information at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf

3. Use the S.C. Flu Clinic Finder at www.thecarolinascenter.org
     Note: the S.C. Flu Finder will be available by September each year and is updated periodically      throughout the influenza season.

4. Use the American Lung Association tool at www.findaflushot.com.

5. Consult your physician.

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Question:
Does South Carolina require providers of influenza immunizations to register or notify DHEC prior to conducting flu immunization clinics?

Answer:
No. You must however, have a licensed physician who is responsible for obtaining the vaccine and written standing orders for administration.

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Question:
Can LPNs/LVNs administer influenza vaccine in South Carolina?

Answer:
Yes, if working under the orders of a licensed physician.

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Question:
Are pharmacists in South Carolina administering influenza injections?

Answer:
Yes, some do. The Board of Pharmacy, with S.C. DHEC’s endorsements, require a special immunization course completion prior to pharmacists administering influenza vaccinations.

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Measles, Mumps, Rubella Immunization

Question:
Is rash a side-effect of the MMR vaccine?

Answer:
Rash with or without fever is a side effect of the MMR vaccine. Rash is usually mild and occurs in about 1 in 20 children who receive the vaccine.

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Meningococcal Vaccine

Question:
Does DHEC provide the Meningococcal Vaccine through VAFAC?

Answer:
The Meningococcal vaccine is available through DHEC clinics both as VAFAC and fee-for-service. VAFAC eligibility rules apply.

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Certificate

Question:
Where can I obtain a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization for attendance at child day care centers and/or school?

Answer:
State Law 44-29-180/190 and Regulation 61-8 mandate that child day care facilities and schools, public and private, require entering children/students to present a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization (DHEC form 1148) or a Religious Exemption (DHEC form 1126) upon entry. The 1148 must be completed and signed by a licensed physician. These forms are available at all county public health departments. The form can be mailed directly to the physician only. E-mailed forms will not be accepted. Contact numbers for county pubic health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm. For more information you can also link to the Regional Immunization Program Managers’ contact information at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/disease/immunization/docs/contacts.pdf or contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

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Question:
Are immunization requirements the same for public and private school in SC?

Answer:
Yes, the immunization requirements are the same for both public and private school.

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Question:
Do South Carolina Immunization school laws apply to college students?

Answer:
S.C. immunization law applies to child day care centers and school grades kindergarten through 12th grade. Each college and university sets their own policy for immunization requirements. Contact the college or university you plan to attend and inquire about immunizations required by them for admission.

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Question:
Who can complete a Certificate of Immunization?

Answer:
A licensed physician, authorized persons in the public health department, and authorized school nurses can complete a South Carolina Certificate of Immunization.

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Exemption

Question:
What type of immunization exemptions are available in South Carolina?

Answer:
Medical and religious exemptions are the only available immunization exemptions in South Carolina.

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Question:
What is a religious exemption?

Answer:
A South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption (DHEC form 1126) may be granted to any student whose parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis signs the appropriate section of the exemption stating they are members of a recognized religious denomination in which the tenets and practices of the religious denomination conflict with immunizations.

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Question:
How can I obtain a South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption?

Answer:
A Religious Exemption form (DHEC form 1126) can be obtained by requesting a form in person from any county public health department. Contact numbers for countypublic health departments can be found at http://www.scdhec.gov/health/countymap.htm.
Forms cannot be e-mailed or mailed. Follow the instructions on the form. Don't forget to have the document notarized.

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Question:
Is there a personal exemption clause?

Answer:
No. Medical and religious exemptions are the only available immunization exemptions in South Carolina.

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Question:
Does the South Carolina Religious Exemption form extend to college age students?

Answer:
No. State immunization regulation on immunization exemptions extends from day care through 12th grade. Each college and university sets their own policy for immunization requirements.

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Question:
What is a medical exemption?

Answer:
South Carolina state law recognizes exemptions to immunization for medical contraindications as determined by a licensed physician. Only an individual licensed to practice medicine, surgery, or osteopathy or his/her representative may issue a certificate of medical exemption to immunization. There is one DHEC form – The South Carolina Certificate of Immunization – that meets both the certification and the medical exemption regulations (SC Regulation 61-8). This form is the DHEC 1148 and is available to licensed physicians upon request.

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Question:
What is a special exemption?

Answer:
A special exemption can be issued by school superintendents for a one-time, 30 day period. This exemption may be issued to transfer students while awaiting arrival of medical records from their former area of residence or to other students who have been unable to secure immunizations or documentation of immunizations already received.

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VAERS

Question:
What is VAERS?

Answer:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a reporting system that allows the FDA to keep records of any reported side effects after vaccines are given. Your health-care provider can file this report by mail or online at http://vaers.hhs.gov . For more information contact the DHEC Immunization Division at 1-800-277-4687.

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