Protecting the Margin

Strategic Health Roadmap for Kershaw County, SC

The Current Landscape

Kershaw County continues to maintain community safety with a student immunization rate of 95.8%. While this remains above the critical 95% threshold, the rate has slipped slightly from 96.3% in 2021. This minor decline is paired with religious exemptions doubling from 1.0% to 2.1%. With 7 VFC providers serving the community, we must focus on reinforcing community trust and streamlining access to sustain our protective shield.

0% ▼ Immunization Rate
Was 96.3% (2021)
0% ▲ Religious Exemptions
Was 1.0% (2021)
0 VFC Providers
Local Access Points

Strategic Priorities

1. Protecting the Safety Margin

Kershaw is effectively maintaining herd immunity, but we are moving closer to the 95% threshold. Staying proactive prevents the county from falling into a "vulnerable" status.

Stability
Coordinate with school administrators in Camden and Lugoff to identify record-keeping gaps before the start of each semester.
2. Respectful Dialogue

The doubling of religious exemptions indicates a shift in parent perspectives. Addressing concerns with science-based facts is key to stopping this trend.

Engagement
Partner with local medical professionals to host Q&A sessions focused on communal protection and child safety.
3. Supporting VFC Providers

Our 7 VFC providers are the county's front line. Ensuring their visibility helps families access cost-free vaccines easily.

Access
Distribute a map of VFC provider locations to all parents during the kindergarten registration process.
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