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by MARK POWELL
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Parents and kids across South Carolina have made it through that most dreaded late-summer ritual: the hectic back-to-school crush. As a new academic year begins, school officials are checking to make sure students are up to date on their immunizations.
It’s no coincidence August is “Immunization Awareness Month,” which encourages adults – and their children – to keep up to date on all recommended shots.
Regarding childhood immunizations, the Palmetto State ranks squarely in the middle of the pack per the latest School Vax View data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). South Carolina ranked 23rd in kindergarten MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccination rates in 2024-2025, with about 91.2% of 5-year-olds covered.
While that statistic sounds good, it’s still below the national average of 92.5%.
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South Carolina also missed the mark on four other vaccinations, reporting just below the national averages on DTaP, Polio, Hepatitis B and Varicella.
Richard Hernandez knows firsthand the importance of staying on top of a child’s shots. He’s both a healthcare professional and a parent.
“I’ve already been through it recently with all of my daughter’s appointments and making sure she’s up to date on her vaccines,” Hernandez said. “And then getting my son moved here from Arizona, I had to make sure all of his vaccines were up to date, too.”
Hernandez is a nurse practitioner at Lexington Health Primary Care in Batesburg-Leesville, S.C., meaning he’s the person to see when it’s time for your child to get up to date on their shots – or when it’s time for you to get up to date on yours.
“The biggest thing is making sure people are educated,” Hernandez said.
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Regarding the fear of getting a shot, Hernandez said it might surprise some people to learn which patients show the most hesitation.
“More often than not, it’s actually the big, burly guys with tattoos,” he said. “Sometimes kids do get worried about it, but then they realize the worrying was worse than the actual shot.”
That raises an interesting point: while we’ve discussed the importance of childhood immunizations, they’re every bit as important for grownups.
“We don’t force anyone to do anything,” Hernandez explained. “I tell people to approach it like they would an investment. In making an investment, you would talk to somebody you trust and get their advice. That’s what primary care is all about: giving people the best advice and education to make the right choices. And your life is arguably the biggest investment you have.”
Hernandez said parents often tell him they would prefer to build immunity “the natural way.”
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“Well, some of the natural outcomes are way more severe than even the worst reactions could be from the vaccines,” he argued. “It’s important to relay that.”
Be sure to keep an eye on the calendar, because a very important type of immunization is right around the corner – even for youngsters.
“As we approach flu season in October we’ll start getting patients coming in for flu shots – including children,” he said. “Everyone, six months and older, is typically recommended for that. It needs to be updated yearly just because that strain changes every year.”
That’s ultimately what immunizations are all about.
“It’s the best way to make sure people don’t get really sick,” Hernandez said.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR…
J. Mark Powell is an award-winning former TV journalist, government communications veteran, and a political consultant. He is also an author and an avid Civil War enthusiast. Got a tip or a story idea for Mark? Email him at mark@fitsnews.com.
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