SC health officials remind residents of importance of vaccines for National Immunization Awareness Month
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCBD) – For National Immunization Awareness Month, recognized in August, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) and the South Carolina Immunization Coalition are reminding South Carolinians of the importance of vaccines.
SCDPH says children enrolled in school and childcare are required to be current on certain vaccinations at the start of each school year or provide a religious, medical or special exemption.
“Without high immunization levels, communities are at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, which lead to not only sickness and suffering but also to school and work time lost,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, acting DPH director.
“To make sure you keep up with the latest data and information and discuss any concerns you may have and get accurate information about the risks and benefits of vaccines, we highly encourage people to talk regularly with your physician and maintain your regular schedule of check-ups where these conversations can be had.”
The department says the practice of ensuring children are up to date on vaccinations helps protect the health of children, teachers and school staff who are in group settings every day.
In addition to vaccines for children, the SCDPH says adults also benefit from vaccines and it is recommended to stay current on immunizations.
“Staying up to date on vaccines for shingles, pneumococcal pneumonia, mpox, flu, RSV and others can also protect your health and that of those around you,” SCDPH says.
Many adult vaccines are recommended at certain ages or for certain risk groups, SCDPH says.
“Access to immunizations is a critical element of preventive health care,” said Melanie Slan, a South Carolina Immunization Coalition board member. “Working directly with families and communities across South Carolina, we have seen firsthand that increasing access to immunizations helps keep children healthy, prevents serious illness, and strengthens the health of entire communities. We encourage individuals and families to stay informed and take advantage of available vaccination opportunities.”
SCDPH encourages people to speak with their healthcare provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination. For more information about required and recommended vaccinations, click here.
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