South Carolina Department of Public Safety encourages people to get vaccinated to stay healthy during cold and flu season
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) says respiratory disease season is almost here and now is the time to get vaccinated for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). I would like to remind the public that this is the case.
“We are entering the cooler months of the year when we tend to see a significant increase in respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Linda Bell, DPH health program branch chief and state epidemiologist. “Fortunately, we have more tools than ever to protect people from these potentially serious respiratory illnesses. Now is the time to protect yourself, your family, and your neighbors. Now is the time to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated.”
You should talk to your health care provider to determine which vaccine is right for you. People with a history of allergies to vaccine components or certain other conditions may not be able to receive some vaccines. That’s why it’s important that others get vaccinated. Increasing vaccination rates in the general population will help protect vulnerable populations who cannot receive certain vaccines.
In addition to vaccines, other ways to prevent the spread of the virus include:
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing Stay home if you are sick
DPH provides the following helpful information about influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.
Flu vaccines are updated annually to match current strains, so the latest updated flu vaccine will be available in the fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get an up-to-date flu shot. The 2024-2025 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination is being updated, as is the flu shot, to provide maximum protection against the current virus strain. The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is available from your retail pharmacy, health care provider, or local DPH health department. Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs, and the symptoms are very similar to the common cold. Unlike the influenza and coronavirus vaccines, the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is not required every year. However, the CDC and DPH recommend vaccination for adults aged 75 years and older adults aged 60 to 74 years who are at high risk for severe respiratory syncytial virus infection, as well as for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant. The vaccine’s antibodies are passed to the fetus and protect the newborn from severe RSV for up to six months. RSV antibodies are recommended for some infants younger than 8 months who are born during RSV season or are entering their first RSV season, depending on their RSV infection status. Some children aged 8 to 19 months are in their second season of maternal vaccination, RSV.
Those without insurance or whose insurance does not cover the vaccine may be eligible to receive the vaccine for free at a DPH clinic. Please contact your local county health department for more information.
