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DHEC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccination

Having reviewed the available data and side effect profiles for the updated COVID-19 vaccine (2023-2024), DHEC recommends that all eligible people 6 months of age and older receive this important, updated vaccine. Although the vaccine may not provide 100% protection against infection, it is likely to prevent the most harmful outcomes of COVID-19. This recommendation extends especially to those 60 and older, and those with other medical conditions that may cause complications from COVID-19 infection. As always, DHEC also recommends and encourages people to speak with their healthcare provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination.

DHEC recommends:

  • Vaccination for all eligible people 6 months of age and older.
  • Vaccination especially for those 60 and older, and people with other medical conditions.
  • People speak with their healthcare provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination for them.

Review vaccination benefits, risks, scientific evidence, and additional resources, in our public health recommendation. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and specific information for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.

Additional Resources

CDC provides additional frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination, including questions for those who are pregnant or want to become pregnant, and for parents of children and teens.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most health insurance plans (Medicaid, Medicare or private) will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Contact your health care provider or a pharmacy to get a COVID vaccine.
  • For adults without insurance, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccination, DHEC health departments are here to help with vaccination. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. Or, you can search for vaccines near you through the Bridge Access Program.
  • For children ages 18 and younger without insurance, no-cost vaccines are available from the federal Vaccines for Children Program.
  • For children with insurance, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccination, they may be eligible for no-cost vaccines from the state Vaccines for Children Program that DHEC administers. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 or schedule online using Web Chat. Or, you can search for vaccines near you through the Bridge Access Program.

  • No. The health department has a limited number of doses to be used for adults and children without insurance, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccination.
  • People with health insurance can get a COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or health care provider.

  • No. DHEC’s health departments are vaccinating only adults and children without insurance, or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccination with the limited doses currently available. In these cases, the vaccine is administered at no cost to you.

  • The Bridge Access Program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. No-cost COVID-19 vaccines through this program will be available until Dec. 31, 2024.

Learn more about Getting no-cost COVID-19 vaccines near you.

Downloads & Links

Find COVID-19 Vaccines

Vaccine Provider Guidance