Hurricane Helene: Public Health Department Closures

Latest updates: Hurricane Helene

Our public health departments' hours of operation may be affected by power and staffing outages. This means that some closures may not appear on the state government office delays and closings map. The health and safety of our employees and our clients remains our highest priority. We are working to get services restored as safely and quickly as possible.

Learn more about DPH's role with hurricanes, floods, and weather emergencies.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccination (2023-2024)

Having reviewed the available data and side effect profiles for the updated COVID-19 vaccine, 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.


Introduction

The term “endemic” refers to a disease that is circulating in a community at an expected or normal level, minus an occasional outbreak (for example, the flu). South Carolina, along with other states and the federal government, has begun treating COVID-19 as an endemic virus due to declining case and hospitalization rates as well as the increased availability of vaccines, treatments, and rapid testing. Through these resources along with preventive strategies like wearing masks when indicated, we can keep severe cases to a minimum and live our daily lives with an acceptable level of COVID-19 in the community.

Vaccination is another tool needed to successfully transition to an endemic status for COVID-19 and remain there. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and are the best way to protect individuals and their loved ones against severe cases of COVID-19. Vaccines are proven to be effective against severe disease due to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain as well as its variants and subvariants. Individuals ages 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccinations.

  • COVID-19 booster shots are recommended for fully vaccinated people aged 6 months and up once they are due, based on when they received their last dose. Like an annual flu shot, a booster shot for COVID-19 is strongly encouraged because it increases protection over time, as the initial vaccination becomes less effective. To be clear, an initial COVID-19 vaccination series is still effective against the virus and is especially protective against severe disease. As the initial vaccination’s protection weans over time, a booster is recommended to maintain a high level of protection.
  • A single bivalent vaccine is recommended for those 6 months and older. Those 18 and up who have received two doses of the Janssen (an initial vaccination and booster) receive a single bivalent booster of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) at least two months after their Janssen booster dose.
  • DHEC’s “You Make the Call” initiative encourages parents to talk to pediatricians and other trusted health professionals about getting their children vaccinated. The goal is for parents to gather all the accurate facts so they can make the best decision for their children.