Tag Archives: mumps

Prepare Your Child Before School Starts: New Changes in Vaccination Recommendations for the 2019-2020 School Year

The new school year is around the corner. Now is the time to schedule your child’s annual checkup with their primary care provider. Make sure your child is up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations.

We encourage you to speak with your child’s doctor about all recommended age-appropriate vaccines.  South Carolina students in grades 5K to 12 in both public and private schools must be up-to-date on the following shots based on their grade level:

  • Hepatitis B
  • Polio
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • DTaP (tetanus, whooping cough)
  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
  • Tdap (whooping cough booster required before 7th grade)

“Unfortunately, vaccine-preventable diseases, such as chicken pox, whooping cough, mumps and measles still affect many children in South Carolina,” said Dr. Teresa Foo, DHEC Immunization Division medical consultant. “Up-to-date vaccinations are the best protection for our children against these diseases.”

You can also get your child’s vaccines at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) health departments. Call 855.472.3432 to schedule an appointment. For more information about school-related vaccinations, visit:  https://scdhec.gov/health/vaccinations/childcare-school-vaccine-requirements.

DHEC in the News: Flu, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, mumps and shingles vaccines

Here’s a look at health and environmental news from around South Carolina.

DHEC: Don’t Let Cost Keep You From Getting A Flu Shot

Columbia, SC (WLTX) — State Health Officials say do not let cost prevent you from getting a flu shot.

Many health care providers, pharmacies and community organizations offer low or no cost flu shots, according to DHEC.

Health officials says this flu season is serious and because of that, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control will waive administrative fees some pay for a flu shot at its public health clinics.

DHEC offering free HIV/STD testing

(WSPA) — Free testing for HIV and STDs will be offered in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

Health officials say tests will be available at S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) clinics and local HIV testing sites.

Horry County schools see high number of flu-related absences

CONWAY, SC (WBTW) — After widespread flu activity across South Carolina, Horry County School officials said they’re seeing more flu-related absences than normal this flu season.

Horry County Schools spokesperson Lisa Bourcier said there has been a spike in students sick with the flu over the last two weeks. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control believes the flu outbreak has just reached its peak.

Mumps, shingles vaccines get new guidance

Vaccine advisers have published their latest recommendations for mumps and shingles vaccines in adults.

New adult vaccination recommendations published Monday feature a booster shot for mumps in case of outbreaks and the new and improved shingles vaccine.

DHEC in the News: Flu, Zero Harm Awards, mumps

Here’s a look at health and environmental news from around South Carolina.

DHEC urges you to get flu vaccine

“Anyone can get the flu even if they are healthy,” said Dr. Teresa Foo, an S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control immunization medical consultant.

That’s why DHEC in a recent news release has urged South Carolinians to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu by being vaccinated.

Hospitals receive Zero Harm Awards

Hilton Head Regional Healthcare hospitals Coastal Carolina Hospital and Hilton Head Hospital each received four Certified Zero Harm Awards at the 37th annual South Carolina Medical Association/South Carolina Hospital Association Trustee, Administrator and Physician Conference.

The awards recognize hospitals that achieve 12 consecutive months or more without certain preventable hospital-acquired infections. All hospital data used for the awards is independently verified by the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control.

General Interest

Mumps outbreak at Syracuse as CDC weighs new vaccine recommendation

(CNN)An outbreak of mumps has spurred Syracuse University to offer students a third “booster” shot of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine.

As of Monday, there have been 27 confirmed and 48 probable cases of mumps on campus, according to Syracuse University Health Services. Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus spread through saliva and mucus.