Two new vaccine requirements for SC students for the 2026–27 school year
By Jenny Peterson
It’s not usually part of the back-to-school rush most families think about first. Between supply lists, schedule planning and last-minute shopping trips, health screenings and vaccination schedules can easily get pushed aside.
But in South Carolina, state law requires students to be up to date on vaccines before they can enroll or attend school, with only a few narrow exemptions allowed.
Beginning July 1, 2026, updated requirements will also extend into early childhood programs, including 4K programs and younger. Schools require a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization before attendance begins and records must be current and complete.
For families who already have a pediatrician or primary care provider, many — and often all — of these immunizations are already on file. Still, enrollment season is an important time to double-check documentation and confirm multi-dose series are complete, as well as any needed boosters.
What’s Changing for the 2026–27 School Year
Beginning July 1, 2026, South Carolina is updating immunization requirements for certain grade levels under guidance from the South Carolina Department of Public Health. The two updates include:
- 6th grade: Two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine
- 12th grade: Two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or documented evidence of prior infection confirming immunity
According to the state health department, these updates are designed to reinforce immunity during key school transition years, particularly as students enter middle and high school environments where close contact increases the spread of illness.
Standard School Immunization Requirements
4 years (childcare and/or 4K)
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) — Pneumonia and Meningitis
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) — Pneumonia and Meningitis
- Polio
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
5K–12th Grade
- Hepatitis A
- Hepatitis B
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis)
- Polio (IPV)
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Tdap booster (whooping cough) — required for 7th grade entry
6th Grade (2026–27 Update)
- Two doses of Hepatitis A vaccine
7th Grade
- Tdap booster — required for 7th grade entry
12th Grade (2026–27 Update)
- Two doses of Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or
- Evidence of immunity, which may include a documented history of chickenpox confirmed by a healthcare provider
Other Vaccine Considerations
Some vaccines, like flu and COVID-19, are not required for school attendance, but are highly recommended by physicians for all students. It is also highly recommended for adolescents to get the HPV vaccine to protect against cancers. Ask your child’s healthcare provider what vaccines they recommend.
School Physicals for Student Athletes
Beyond immunizations, all middle and high school athletic programs in South Carolina require a pre-participation physical exam before students can try out or compete.
These exams assess heart health, prior injuries and overall fitness. With year-round participation in school and club sports, providers often recommend scheduling physicals early in the summer to avoid delays in practices.
Vision Screening
Vision checks are important for children entering school for the first time — especially in 4K and kindergarten — as they adjust to reading boards and classroom learning.
But vision isn’t just an early childhood issue. Students at all grade levels may experience eye strain, headaches or trouble focusing due to undiagnosed vision problems.
Increased screen time from tablets, laptops and gaming systems has also been linked to rising rates of nearsightedness in school-age children.
Update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans
For students receiving academic or behavioral support, the start of the school year is a key time to:
- Review goals and accommodations
- Confirm services and provider contacts
- Communicate updates with teachers and support staff
- Ensure documentation is current and accessible
The statewide organization Family Connection SC can help parents navigate this process.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Charleston County School District allows nurses to administer common over-the-counter medications with expressed permission and a note on file, including:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Cough drops
- Antibiotic ointment
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antifungal cream
The nurse cannot administer these medications without parent or guardian consent.
More Complex Medical Needs
Students requiring daily medication or medical procedures, such as insulin shots, must have physician orders signed by both the healthcare provider and parent or guardian. This applies to both scheduled and as-needed treatments. Parents are responsible for providing all medications, supplies and equipment needed at school.
Prescription medications must be in original labeled containers and must match physician orders on file. School nurses can only administer medications listed in approved documentation.
Students who need to carry medications such as asthma inhalers must have completed self-medication forms signed by the physician, parent and student. These must be submitted before a student is allowed to carry medication and it may not be kept in backpacks without authorization.
Food Allergies
Charleston County Schools requires physician authorization to notify cafeteria staff and ensure appropriate accommodations can be made.
College Immunization Requirements
Staying current on vaccines in early school years helps ensure students are ready for college requirements.
The College of Charleston requires the following immunizations for all students:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- Quadrivalent Meningitis (MCV4) — administered at age 16 or older. Students over 24 are exempt if unvaccinated.
- Tdap — must be administered within the last 10 years.
With updated requirements taking effect in 2026–27, a quick review of health records now can make the back-to-school transition smoother for students, families and schools.
Keeping records organized in a single folder or digital file can help reduce delays during registration and make it easier to provide documentation when requested by schools or athletic programs.
A little preparation now can prevent last-minute scrambles later. For more information on the latest requirements, visit www.dph.sc.gov.
