South Carolina
CALLS TO ACTION
SCHOOL VACCINE MANDATES AND YOUR OPTIONS
What exemptions does your state offer?
Medical and Religious
What is the process to get a religious exemption in your state?
A religious exemption may be granted to any student whose parents, parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis signs and has notarized the appropriate section (Statement of Religious Objection) of the South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption. The South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption may only be obtained at a county public health department. Forms cannot be emailed or mailed.
Religious exemptions are only available for those attending child care facilities and K-12 schools. Religious exemptions do not apply to COVID-19 vaccines as COVID-19 vaccines are not currently a state-mandated vaccine for child care and K-12 school attendance.
For a link to the county public health departments across South Carolina, paste this link in your browser: https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/school-vaccination-coverage-data/exemptions-school-vaccine
Who can add vaccines to the state's childhood schedule, the department of health or the legislature?
Department of Health
What health care can minors consent to on their own?
Health services of any kind may be rendered to minors of any age without the consent of a parent or legal guardian when, in the judgment of a physician, such services are deemed necessary. The only exception is an operation, which shall be performed only if it is believed to be essential to the health or life of the minor by the performing physician and a consulting physician, if available.