Flu Vaccine at the Fair

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – Health officials have found about 10% of South Carolina’s population has the flu each year.  The Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is targeting the State Fair to try and decrease those numbers.

For the second straight year, DHEC will be stationed just outside the South Gate beside the main parking area from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to make sure you get vaccinated.

“Flu season is late September, October through March.  Now is a good time to get your vaccine,” said George Timms with DHEC.

Timms hopes to repeat the scenes from last year at the fair, where almost 200 people were inoculated.

“We will be set up with a tent, stations for people to go through.  There will be a nurse and administrator collecting information and people will receive a vaccine, shot or nasal spray.”

This year, the focus is on anyone 19 and older, specifically seniors.  DHEC says the flu is a leading cause of death for people 65 and older.

The cost of the flu vaccine is $25.  Cash, checks, Medicare and Medicaid will be accepted.