Preparing your child for child care involves more than packing a backpack and labeling a lunchbox. One important step is making sure your child's immunization records are complete before their first day.

In South Carolina, children attending licensed child care programs must meet the state's immunization requirements. These requirements, established by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), help protect the health of children in group settings where illnesses can spread more easily.

Here's what parents need to know before enrolling their child in a licensed child care program.

What Are South Carolina's Immunization Requirements?

Children attending licensed child care programs in South Carolina must have a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization documenting that they have received the age-appropriate immunizations required by the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH).

The specific vaccines and the number of doses required depend on your child's age and South Carolina's current immunization schedule. Your child's pediatrician or health care provider can help determine whether your child is up to date before enrollment.

Because immunization requirements may be updated over time, parents should always refer to the South Carolina Department of Public Health for the most current information.

What Documentation Is Required?

Before attending a licensed child care program, parents or guardians must provide a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization (DPH Form 4024) or another certificate approved by the South Carolina Department of Public Health.

This certificate may be completed by:

• Your child's pediatrician or health care provider
• A South Carolina Department of Public Health clinic
• Other authorized immunization providers

Your child care provider will use this official certificate to verify that your child has met South Carolina's immunization requirements.

Are There Any Exemptions?

South Carolina law recognizes two types of exemptions from child care immunization requirements.

Medical Exemptions

A licensed physician may certify that a child should not receive one or more immunizations because of a medical condition, or another recognized medical contraindication.

Religious Exemptions

Parents or legal guardians whose sincere religious beliefs conflict with South Carolina's immunization requirements may obtain a South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption through the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The certificate requires a notarized signature and must be issued according to DPH procedures.

South Carolina does not recognize personal or philosophical exemptions for child care or school immunization requirements.

What Happens During a Disease Outbreak?

If a vaccine-preventable disease occurs in a child care program, children who have a medical or religious exemption and are not immunized against that disease may be temporarily excluded from attending until public health officials determine it is safe for them to return.

Where Can Parents Get Immunizations?

Routine childhood immunizations are available through:

• Your child's pediatrician or family physician
• South Carolina Department of Public Health clinics
• Participating health care providers throughout the state

Many children also qualify to receive immunizations at no cost through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program or other state-supported vaccine programs. Your child's health care provider or local DPH office can help determine eligibility.

Plan Ahead for Enrollment

Summer and back-to-school seasons are often busy times for pediatric offices and health care providers. Scheduling your child's well-child visit before your planned enrollment date can help ensure there is enough time to receive any needed immunizations and complete the required paperwork.

Having your South Carolina Certificate of Immunization ready before your child's first day can help make the enrollment process smooth and stress-free.

Learn More

For the most current information about South Carolina's child care immunization requirements, approved exemptions, and required documentation, visit the South Carolina Department of Public Health:

South Carolina Department of Public Health – Vaccine Requirements & Information
https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/vaccine-requirements-info

You can also speak with your child's pediatrician or health care provider if you have questions about your child's immunization schedule or the documentation required for enrollment.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only and summarizes South Carolina's child care immunization requirements. It should not replace guidance from your child's health care provider or the South Carolina Department of Public Health. Because state requirements may change, parents should always consult the most current information available from the South Carolina Department of Public Health before enrolling a child in a licensed child care program.