A drop in S.C. childhood immunizations and a recent spike in cases of whooping cough statewide – a potentially fatal disease – has public health officials and lawmakers working to ensure children are vaccinated against that disease.

Starting in the fall, the state will require all rising seventh graders prove they have received a vaccine for pertussis, or whooping cough, on or after their seventh birthday. The vaccine also includes immunizations for tetanus and diphtheria.

Whooping cough is a highly contagious, potentially fatal respiratory disease that is most severe in infants. It can prevent an infant from being able to breathe or eat, and cause brain damage, pneumonia and other serious conditions

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