GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA) -- State and local health officials are highlighting a rise in vaccine exemptions and how that correlates to recent measles outbreaks.

State health leaders gathered at Prisma Health’s Children’s Hospital-Upstate to address growing concerns over a surge in measles cases and vaccine exemptions.

Officials confirmed that South Carolina has seen a dip in vaccination rates.

“The vaccine exemption rates are going up. They've been going up now for the past several years, each year, a little bit, a little bit higher and a little bit higher. And obviously that's a concern for us," Dr. Edward Simmer, Interim SCDPH director said.

Officials with the South Carolina Department of Public Health said the statewide vaccination rate dropped to 93.9% this year. Falling below the 95

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