DPH Encourages Residents to Get Flu Shots During National Influenza Vaccination Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Dec. 4, 2024 

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week (Dec. 2-6), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) urges residents who have not gotten their annual flu shot to do so as soon as possible in advance of upcoming seasonal and holiday gatherings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. The specific strains of flu change every year, and as a result the flu vaccine is updated every year to match the current strains. For this reason, it is important to receive the updated flu vaccine every fall.  

“Getting your flu shot is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and its potentially serious complications,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. “We encourage all South Carolinians to receive their vaccination to protect not only themselves, but their community by preventing illnesses that spread to others.” 

Not sure if the flu shot is right for you? We recommend talking with your health care provider. Additional information about flu and the flu vaccine is also available at DPH’s flu webpage and the CDC’s website. 

DPH’s Flu Watch page includes weekly surveillance data of flu cases, hospitalizations and deaths and provides current flu vaccination data. The latest report shows a total of 140 lab-confirmed cases of flu for the week of Nov. 17-23. There have been 670 lab-confirmed cases and 82 influenza-associated hospitalizations and one death for the 2024-25 flu season so far.  

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. Please contact your local county health department for more information. 

In addition to vaccines, other precautions are strongly recommended to prevent virus spread, including washing your hands regularly with soap and water, covering your coughs or sneezes with a tissue or your elbow and staying home and away from others when sick.  

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