Bridging the Gap

Strategic Health Roadmap for Dorchester County, SC

The Current Landscape

Dorchester County is at a critical threshold for community immunity. Our school immunization rate has shifted from a safe 96.3% to 94.5%, moving the county just below the 95% safety margin required to prevent localized outbreaks. This decline coincides with a significant rise in religious exemptions, which have more than doubled from 1.9% to 4.1%. With 10 VFC providers serving the county, we must act decisively to reinforce access and education to safeguard our students.

0% ▼ Immunization Rate
Was 96.3% (21-22)
0% ▲ Religious Exemptions
Was 1.9% (21-22)
0 VFC Providers
County Access Points

Strategic Priorities

1. Returning to 95%

The drop below 95% indicates a softening of our community shield. Returning to the safety standard is the primary goal for the upcoming school year.

Urgency
Work with DD2 and DD4 school districts to conduct targeted outreach for students with missing or incomplete records.
2. Respectful Community Dialogue

The doubling of religious exemptions requires us to address emerging concerns through transparent, science-based conversations.

Engagement
Partner with Summerville and St. George faith leaders to host informational Q&A sessions on the communal benefit of protection.
3. Supporting VFC Providers

Our 10 VFC providers are the local front line. Ensuring their visibility is key to providing zero-cost protection to every family.

Access
Create a "Dorchester Access Map" highlighting all 10 provider locations for distribution at community health fairs.
4. Driving Policy Change

Sustainable improvement requires a supportive policy environment that prioritizes student health.

Advocacy
Provide policy analysis on vaccine requirements and encourage advocacy.
Turn data into action—connect with your lawmakers and help shape policies that protect your community.
Contact State Elected Officials Contact School Board Officials