South Carolina lawmakers are debating a new bill that could reshape vaccine requirements in the state. While Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken steps to ban all childhood vaccine mandates, South Carolina’s proposal takes a narrower approach, focusing only on new or emergency-use vaccines.
Bill Targets “Novel Vaccines” in South Carolina
The bill, now under discussion in the state senate, would not eliminate long-standing vaccine requirements such as those for measles, polio, or flu shots. Instead, it specifically targets “novel vaccines” — vaccines that:
Have not received full FDA approval
Have been on the market for less than 10 years
Were distributed under emergency use authorization
That includes vaccines like the early versions of the COVID-19 vaccine, which were rolled out under emergency approval during the pandemic.
Supporters Say It’s About Medical Freedom
Supporters of the bill argue it protects individual rights and prevents what they describe as “coercion” similar to what they felt occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Folks who have doubts or hesitation about them, they should be able to make those decisions,” said State Senator Matt Leber (R–Charleston), a co-sponsor of the bill.
Leber added that he supports the broader approach taken in Florida and would like to see South Carolina consider a similar path in the future.
Opposition Highlights Risks of Restricting Public Health Officials
Not all lawmakers agree. Some argue that restricting the ability of public health leaders to recommend or require vaccines could be dangerous in a future emergency.
“It should be concerning for all Americans and all South Carolinians when we see governmental officials binding our public health officials and preventing them from making lifesaving decisions,” said State Representative Kambrell Garvin (D–Richland).
Garvin noted that while no one wants to repeat the challenges of 2020 and 2021, removing vaccine options altogether could leave the state unprepared if another health crisis arises.
Governor McMaster Weighs In
Governor Henry McMaster has taken a more cautious approach. While he does not support changes to long-standing vaccine requirements, he said any new vaccine mandates should be openly debated in the legislature.
“I don’t think we need to be getting into too many fights over vaccines right now for those that we have traditionally been using for years,” McMaster said Thursday.
What the Bill Would Do
If passed, the bill would prevent employers, schools, and state agencies from requiring certain vaccines. Families and individuals would retain the right to choose whether or not to receive any newly developed or emergency-use vaccines without fear of losing jobs, education access, or government services.
What’s Next?
The bill remains in the South Carolina Senate and will be further discussed when lawmakers return to Columbia in January. Its future could depend on whether lawmakers lean toward Florida’s stricter approach or stick with South Carolina’s more limited version.
The vaccine mandate debate in South Carolina reflects a broader national conversation about medical freedom versus public health preparedness. With memories of the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh, state leaders are weighing how to strike a balance between protecting individual choice and ensuring communities are safe during emergencies. As discussions continue in January, the outcome could shape how South Carolina responds to future health crises.
