COLUMBIA - With regular seasonal influenza season approaching, South Carolinians are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccinations, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“Regular seasonal flu vaccine is now available statewide,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., director of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get a seasonal flu shot. It’s especially important for those with a higher risk for flu-related complications, as well as those who live with or care for people at high risk. The vaccine provides immunity not only for the person who receives it, but also for the community at large when more people are protected.”
According to Dr. Gibson, flu is a very serious illness in South Carolina. Each year about 700 people die from seasonal flu in our state, and more than 4,000 South Carolinians are admitted to a hospital. Flu is a leading cause of death for people age 65 years and older.
“Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people,” Dr. Gibson said. “The elderly, very young children and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease are more likely to have complications from seasonal flu.”
Dr. Gibson countered a popular myth by saying that you will not get the flu from the seasonal flu shot. He also reminded people to prevent the spread of the flu by covering your cough, washing your hands thoroughly and often, and staying home when you are sick.
Dr. Gibson said seasonal influenza vaccine is available in physicians’ offices and communities. DHEC’s county public health departments are also offering flu shot clinics. Information about DHEC clinics near you is regularly updated on the DHEC Web site at: http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/clinics.asp.
DHEC is only one of many flu shot providers. Check to see if your medical practitioner is offering flu shots as well. Prices for the shots vary, however at DHEC clinics there is a $25 charge for the vaccination, which Medicare and Medicaid will cover for those who are eligible. However, anyone who wants a shot can get one, regardless of ability to pay. Medicare Advantage enrollees should contact their plans to learn whether a certain provider is able to provide the flu shot.
Children and adolescents, ages 6 months through 18 years of age, are eligible for free seasonal flu vaccine through the DHEC Vaccine Assurance For All Children Immunization Partnership, which is available in many doctors’ offices, community health centers and DHEC’s county public health departments.
“The majority of the seasonal flu vaccine available in our state will be through private providers such as doctors’ offices and other locations,” Dr. Gibson said. “It is important to remember that the seasonal vaccine will not protect against the Novel H1N1 influenza. A separate vaccine will be available for the new virus later this year.”
Information about who should get a flu vaccination is on the Web, available from your health care provider or any of DHEC’s 46 county public health departments. Information is also available by dialing 211 from anywhere inside the state. Flu vaccination information, clinic times and locations will be available at: http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/clinics.asp or by calling DHECs Immunization Division at (803) 898-0460, or toll free at 1-800-277-4687.