By Bridge to Health (August 31st, 2025)

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Vaccine Requirements and Information for Kids:

Immunizations have significantly reduced vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccines are important to
protect our kids from diseases such as measles, mumps, chickenpox, etc.

Vaccination is one of the most successful public health interventions in reducing disease spread,
preventing complications, and even deaths, from vaccine-preventable diseases. The success of
vaccines in reducing disease should not suggest that vaccine-preventable diseases are no longer a
threat.

DPH immunization clinic near you, please visit the Public Health Clinics page or call 1-855-472-
3432 for an appointment.

Patients who are younger than 19 years, who have Medicaid- eligible, uninsured, underinsured can
you the services provided by Vaccines for children (VFC) program, so visit this web site for more
information.

https://dph.sc.gov/health-wellness/child-teen-health/vaccine-requirements-info/vaccines-
children-vfc-program
https://dph.sc.gov/professionals/simon
https://www.ramusa.org/schedule/free-healthcare-clinics-in-south-carolina
Or email to: scvfc@dph.sc.gov.

Benefits and Risks of Vaccines:

No vaccine offers 100% protection and vaccine efficacy, meaning how well a vaccine prevents illness
among those vaccinated, varies from one type of vaccine to the next and also depends on the health
status of the person vaccinated. For example, the flu vaccine does not protect the elderly against
catching the flu as well as it does in younger people. But, very importantly, several studies suggest
that elderly people vaccinated against the flu have less severe disease, are less likely to be
hospitalized and are less likely to die. Vaccines do have some risk for adverse reaction, the most
common being redness and soreness at the injection site, fever, or allergic reactions. More serious
complications like seizures and the neurologic condition Guillian-Barre are also reported but occur very rarely and far less commonly than the complications and deaths from vaccine-preventable
diseases.
These are the list of Vaccines available:

• Chickenpox Vaccine
• DTaP, Tdap, Td Vaccines
• Hib Vaccines
• Hep A Vaccines
• Hep B Vaccines
• Covid-19 vaccine
• HPV Vaccines
• Influenza (Flu) Vaccines
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccines
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccines
• Meningococcal Vaccines
• Mpox Vaccines
• Pneumococcal Vaccines
• Polio Vaccine
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine
• Rotavirus Vaccine
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccines
• Smallpox Vaccines

Chickenpox Vaccine:
Chickenpox, or varicella, is a highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). This infection can be serious, especially in vulnerable populations such as babies, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and individuals with a weakened immune system.

Additionally, some people who contract chickenpox may later develop a painful rash known as shingles. Fortunately, most individuals who receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine are protected for life.
The vaccine itself contains the varicella vaccine along with other vaccines, all combined into a single shot that also protects against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMRV).

The CDC recommends that children, adolescents, and adults who have never had chickenpox and who have not been vaccinated receive two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. Doctors advocate for administering two doses of the chickenpox vaccine to children as the most effective way to guard against chickenpox (varicella). Those who have never experienced chickenpox or who have not been vaccinated should receive both doses for optimal protection.

Common symptoms: fewer to no blisters and low or no fever, but red spots may occur.

Who shouldn’t get vaccinated:
Some people should not receive the chickenpox vaccine, or they should delay it. Please consult your healthcare provider if you:
– Have HIV/AIDS or another condition that affects the immune system.
– Are undergoing treatment with immunosuppressive drugs for 2 weeks or more.
– Have any form of cancer.
– Are receiving cancer treatment involving radiation or chemotherapy.
– Recently had a blood transfusion or received other blood products.
– Are pregnant or may become pregnant.

DTaP, Tdap, Td Vaccines:
Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) are potentially serious bacterial diseases that can be prevented through vaccination. It is essential that all infants, children, adolescents, and adults receive their vaccinations.
These vaccines may have common side effects, but they are usually mild and resolve on their own.

Hib Vaccines:
Hib disease is a serious illness caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Hib vaccination is essential for all children younger than 5 years old, who need multiple (3 or 4) shots of a Hib vaccine. Older children and adults usually do not require a Hib vaccine. For adults, the best places to receive recommended vaccines are a healthcare provider’s office or a pharmacy. These vaccines usually have mild side effects, such as redness, warmth, swelling, and fever, which typically go away on their own within a few days; however, serious reactions are possible.

Hep A Vaccines:
Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus. The infection can range from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months. Although rare, hepatitis A can lead to death in some individuals. This vaccine is recommended for:
– All children, beginning at 1 year.
– People who are underprivileged and living in unsuitable conditions without proper hygiene.
Common side effects include swelling, redness, hard lumps, nausea, loss of appetite, and headaches.

Hep B Vaccines:
Hepatitis B is a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). It is a vaccine-preventable liver infection that can range from a mild, short-term acute illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, long-term chronic infection.
This vaccine should be administered to: all infants within 24 hours of birth (usually 3 doses completed over a 6-month period), and people who are at increased risk of hepatitis B due to travel to certain countries, exposure to blood in the workplace, household or sexual exposure to an infected person, injection drug use, or certain medical conditions.
Common side effects of this vaccine include pain, redness, headache, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

Covid-19 Vaccine:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It most often presents with respiratory symptoms that can resemble a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. While most people with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms, some individuals may become severely ill. This vaccine is recommended for:
– People ages 6 months and older
– Moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals
– Women who plan to conceive
– Pregnant or breastfeeding women
– Long-term care residents
Common side effects of this vaccine may vary but can include soreness, fatigue, headache, joint or muscle pain, chills, nausea, and fever.
While severe allergic reactions following vaccination are rare, they can be life-threatening. Signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include:
– Anaphylaxis, which requires immediate treatment with epinephrine (EpiPen) and may necessitate hospitalization. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, or wheezing.
– Low blood pressure or rapid heartbeat
– Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
– A widespread skin rash that may be itchy, red, or consist of raised bumps (hives), along with possible general swelling of parts of the body, such as the face, arms, or legs.
– A rash in places like inside your mouth or nose. This requires hospitalization.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccines:
Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. You can protect yourself against severe flu illness with vaccination; there are two types of flu vaccines: injectables and nasal spray.
The flu can manifest as a mild illness but may lead to severe complications, resulting in hospitalization or death. Certain groups are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications, including older adults, young children, and individuals with specific health conditions.
Common side effects of the vaccine include:
– Runny nose
– Wheezing
– Headache
– Vomiting
– Muscle aches
– Fever
– Sore throat
– Cough

Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (MMRV) Vaccines
You can protect against measles, mumps, and rubella with vaccination.
Common side effects include:
– Sore arm
– Fever
– Mild rash
– Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints.
Some individuals may experience swelling in the cheeks or neck.
It’s important to note that the MMR vaccine rarely causes a temporary low platelet count, which can lead to a bleeding disorder. Fortunately, this condition typically resolves without treatment and is not life-threatening.

Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccines
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent shingles. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is characterized by a painful skin rash that typically develops on one side of the face or body.
Many individuals are recommended to receive the vaccine; however, it is important for others to consult with their healthcare provider before proceeding.
Common side effects may include:
– Pain
– Redness
– Muscle pain
– Tiredness
– Headaches
– Fever
These side effects usually last for 1 to 3 days.

Visit this site below to get more information about Public Health Clinics: Vital information about
location and contact information for public health for different county are available in this web site
https://dph.sc.gov/public/public-health-clinics
Phone number- 1-855-472-3432
Vital Records locations are available at dph.sc.gov/VRoffices or by calling (803) 898-3630 Monday
through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.