FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oct. 10, 2024
COLUMBIA, S.C. ― Respiratory disease season is quickly approaching, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) wants to make sure you and your family are prepared. The best way to protect yourself and those you love against the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is to get vaccinated.
“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.”
Here are some helpful reminders and new information concerning flu, COVID-19 and RSV:
The flu shot is the best way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its potentially serious complications. The specific strains of flu change every year, and as a result the flu vaccine is updated every year to match the current strains. As a result it is important to receive the updated flu vaccine every fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year.
The new COVID-19 vaccine for 2024-2025 is now available and recommended for everyone aged 6 months and older. Getting a 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine is important because the vaccines are updated to give the best protection from the currently circulating strains of COVID viruses, which changes like the flu virus does. Both the flu and new COVID-19 vaccines can be obtained at a retail pharmacy, health care provider or DPH health department. The COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given at the same time.
The CDC and DPH recommend the RSV vaccine for the following groups of people:
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses. The best time to get the RSV vaccine is in late summer or early fall, but it can be given at any time. People do not need to get the RSV vaccine every year.
An RSV preventive antibody product is recommended for:
People with a history of allergy to the vaccine components, or certain other conditions may not be able to receive some vaccines. Increasing immunization coverage in the population helps protect vulnerable people who cannot receive certain vaccines.
DPH recommends people talk with their health care provider about what vaccines are right for them.
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.
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.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 14, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is recognizing efforts being made to enhance the efficiency of stroke care and prevention throughout the state during the month of May, which is National Stroke Awareness Month.
A stroke occurs when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. In either case, parts of the brain become damaged or die. A stroke can cause lasting brain damage, long-term disability or even death.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 13, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — As National Hospital Week (May 11-17) is recognized across the country, the South Carolina Department of Public Health praises South Carolina’s hospital and healthcare workers for their courageous and caring roles in protecting people’s health. Healthcare workers are a fundamental part of DPH’s vision to support healthy people living in healthy communities.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 12, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — During National Women’s Health Week (May 12-18), the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds women about the importance of routine and preventive care for their mental and physical health. This weeklong recognition, which kicked off on Mother’s Day, also serves as an important time to encourage women and girls to take steps to improve their overall health.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 8, 2025
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Ahead of Mother’s Day on May 11, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) encourages all moms, at every stage of motherhood, to make their physical and mental health a priority.