FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 21, 2007
DHEC flu vaccine clinics begin soon
COLUMBIA – With influenza season approaching, South Carolinians and especially those with a higher risk for flu-related complications along with those who live with or care for people at high risk are encouraged to get their flu vaccinations, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
“The best way to reduce the effects of the flu virus is to take the flu vaccine,” said Jerry Gibson, M.D., director of DHEC’s Bureau of Disease Control. “The vaccine provides immunity not only to the person who receives it, but also to the community at large when more people are protected. We particularly want to urge people who are at the greatest risk from flu, or those who care for them, to make vaccination a priority.”
Dr. Gibson said the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting that a significant amount of influenza vaccine should be available in physician’s offices and communities by the end of September to allow vaccinations to begin in most counties. DHEC’s public health regions across the state will begin offering flu shot clinics in October. Information about DHEC clinics near you will be regularly updated on the DHEC Web site at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu.
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. Medicare Advantage enrollees should contact their plans to learn whether a certain provider needs to provide the flu shot. Free flu vaccine is also provided to children and adolescents eligible for the DHEC Vaccine Assurance For All Children Immunization Partnership in many doctors’ offices, community health centers and DHEC’s county public health departments.
“DHEC has ordered about 290,000 doses for our clinics and partner providers,” Dr. Gibson said. “The majority of the flu vaccine available in our state will be through private providers such as doctor’s offices and other locations.”
Information about who should get a flu vaccination is on the Web, and available from your doctor or any of DHEC’s 46 county public health departments. Flu vaccination information, clinic times and locations are at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu or call DHEC’s Immunization Division at (803) 898-0460 (toll free 1-800-277-4687).
For a comprehensive listing of clinics across the Carolinas including DHEC and non-DHEC clinics you can also check the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence’s "Flu Clinic Finder" at www.thecarolinascenter.org/fcf or the American Lung Association at www.lungusa.org.
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For more information:
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR 1290