With new national data showing a sharp rise in the number of U.S. students receiving exemptions from state vaccination requirements, the S.C. Department of Public Health is encouraging parents to talk with their doctors about the very real risks of opting out.
“Without high immunization levels, communities are at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases and outbreaks, which lead to not only sickness and suffering but also to school and work time lost,” Acting DPH Director Dr. Brannon Traxler said in an Aug. 20 release. “We highly encourage people to talk regularly with your physician and maintain your regular schedule of check-ups where these conversations can be had.”
The recommendation comes on the heels of an Upstate measles outbreak that sickened almost 1,000 S.C. residents before it was brought under control in late April of this year.
At the same time, the agency is urging adults to stay up-to-date on their own vaccines as well.
“Access to immunizations is a critical element of preventive health care,” S.C. Immunization Coalition board member Melanie Slan said. “We encourage individuals and families to stay informed and take advantage of available vaccination opportunities.”
- For more on required and recommended vaccinations, visit dph.sc.gov.
Trump visit highlights importance of U.S. Senate runoff
A Friday visit by President Trump to South Carolina’s Grand Strand is highlighting the importance of the Aug. 25 GOP runoff for Republicans seeking a candidate on the November ballot to replace the late U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham.
On Tuesday, voters will pick between the new incumbent, Graham’s sister Darline, and U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who placed third in June’s gubernatorial primary. Some say the election is also a test of Trump’s pull at the ballot box. He has endorsed Darline Graham.
York County’s Norman is questioning Darline Graham’s credentials, noting that his experience in Congress and business make him a better candidate. Graham has said Norman tried to clean the swamp in Washington and failed, only to come home to S.C. to try – and now wants to go back to Washington.
Other issues that have emerged in the Senate runoff:
- Darline Graham’s knowledge of foreign affairs. Some say she flubbed a question about Taiwan’s importance to the U.S. during a televised debate. She has acknowledged that she’s not a professional politician.
- Immigration, the national debt and taxes
- The power of dark money in the race
Trump’s rally is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. Friday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, 2101 N. Oak Street, Myrtle Beach. Doors open at 3 p.m. You can register for up to two tickets through the GOP. Horry County residents should expect traffic delays.
- Conventional campaign logic scrambled in Senate runoff
- Why Taiwan, South China Sea matter
- Analysis: On Darline Graham’s “oops” moment
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