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Updates from the SC DHEC Immunization Center

SIMON: DHEC is excited to announce that South Carolina's new Immunization Information System, SIMON, will replace the current SCI Registry in spring/summer 2020.  New features will include online VFC provider enrollment, inventory tracking and vaccine ordering, an accurate vaccine forecaster and reporting features not currently available in SCI Registry.  More information will be forthcoming, including a SIMON website, training and onboarding information.  For further questions, email SIMON@dhec.sc.gov. 

 Hepatitis A outbreak: DHEC declared a statewide hepatitis A outbreak May 13, 2019.  This outbreak coincides with a national hepatitis A outbreak that began in 2016.  As of July 19, 2019, there have been 225 reported cases in South Carolina.  For more information, visit www.scdhec.gov/hepa.   The outbreak is primarily affecting high-risk groups including drug users, homeless individuals, men who have sex with men and incarcerated individuals.  DHEC is encouraging providers to vaccinate high risk adolescents and adults.  Adults can obtain hepatitis A vaccine at their health care provider, local pharmacy or health department.  DHEC health departments are providing free hepatitis A vaccine to adults who meet one of the high-risk criteria.  For appointments, call 1-855-472-3432.

 A Hepatitis A vaccine requirement is being added for 2020-2021 school year.  The requirement will start for school (5K) and childcare (children born on or after January 1, 2019).  For more information, see the 2019-2020 South Carolina Immunization Requirements.  CDC recommends providing hepatitis A vaccine as catch up to children and adolescents who were not vaccinated as infants.  South Carolina VFC and state program hepatitis A vaccine can be used to catch up older children through age 18.  

 Back to School: Fall is always a busy time as kids need vaccines before school starts.  DHEC has some new English and Spanish resources to help you and parents be ready for school.  Please visit our updated Childcare and School Vaccine Requirements webpage and view our Back to School toolkit link at the bottom of the page.   DHEC back-to-school and other resources can either be printed or ordered for free via the DHEC Educational Materials Library. You will have to create a free account, and then Browse Library, Program “Immunizations” to view materials and order.

 August was National Immunization Awareness Month.  Check out CDC's brand new 2019 toolkit for resources to help promote vaccines to your patients!   

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