State Health officials encourage vaccinations during flu, and other respiratory disease season

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)–Flu season is almost here and officials with the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) want to make sure you and your family are prepared.

State health officials say the best way to protect yourself and those you love against the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to get vaccinated.

According to state health experts, “We are entering the cooler part of the year when respiratory diseases tend to increase greatly,” said Dr. Linda Bell, DPH Health Programs Branch director and state epidemiologist. “Fortunately, we have more tools than ever to help protect people against these potentially severe respiratory diseases. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get vaccinated to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors.”

The flu shot is the best way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its potentially serious complications, state health experts.

According to DPH, the new COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025 is now available and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older.

DPH says the CDC recommends the RSV vaccine for the following groups of people:

• All adults 75 and older.
• Adults 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV. More information can be found here on the CDC website.
• Pregnant people between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. The antibodies from the vaccine are passed on to the fetus, protecting the newborn from severe RSV for up to six months.

DPH officials say vaccinations can be obtained at local pharmacies or health care providers. Those without insurance and those whose insurance does not cover vaccines may be eligible for no cost vaccines at DPH clinics. Contact your local county health department for more information.

To learn more about respiratory diseases and vaccines, visit DPH’s COVID-19, Vaccinations, Respiratory Disease Watch and Flu Watch webpages.