FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 25, 2008
DHEC flu vaccine clinics begin soon
COLUMBIA - With influenza season approaching, South Carolinians are encouraged to get their flu vaccinations, the state Department of Health and Environmental Control reported today.
"Flu is a very serious illness in South Carolina," said Jerry Gibson, M.D., DHEC's director of the Bureau of Disease Control. "Each year about 700 people die from the flu in our state and more than 4,000 South Carolinians are admitted to a hospital. Flu is a leading cause of death for people age 65 years and older.
"Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people," Dr. Gibson said. "The elderly, very young children, and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma and heart disease are more likely to have complications from the flu.
"The best way to protect yourself and your family, this season and every season, is for everyone - especially those with a higher risk for flu-related complications along with those who live with or care for people at high risk - to get a flu shot," Dr. Gibson said. "The vaccine provides immunity not only for the person who receives it, but also for 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 that, despite a prevalent myth, you will not get the flu from the flu shot. He also reminds people that you can prevent the spread of the flu by covering your cough, washing your hands thoroughly and often, and staying home when you are sick.
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. However, anyone who wants a shot can get one, regardless of ability to pay. Medicare Advantage enrollees should contact their plans to learn whether a certain provider needs to provide the flu shot.
Children and adolescents, ages 6 months through 18 years of age, are eligible for free flu vaccine through the DHEC Vaccine Assurance For All Children Immunization Partnership, which is available in many doctors’ offices, community health centers and DHEC’s county public health departments.
"DHEC has ordered 266,000 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 will be available at http://www.scdhec.gov/flu or by calling DHEC’s Immunization Division at (803) 898-0460, or toll free at 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 http://www.thecarolinascenter.org/fcf or the American Lung Association at http://www.lungusa.org.
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DHEC PSA - Flu Myths [read any or all; please rotate if reading partial list; print and Web users are welcome to use these as pull boxes or story additions]
START DATE: NOW
KILL DATE: April 1, 2009
What can YOU do to prevent the flu?… Be wary of flu myths:
MYTH: "The flu isn’t a serious disease."
FACT: Influenza (flu) is a serious respiratory disease, and it can lead to pneumonia. It is not the same as the common cold. Each year about 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized and about 36,000 people die because of the flu. Most who die are 65 years and older, but young children and those with chronic diseases are as likely as those over 65 to be hospitalized with the flu.
MYTH: "The flu shot can cause the flu."
FACT: The flu shot cannot cause the flu. Some people get a little soreness or redness where they get the shot. It goes away in a day or two. Serious problems from the flu shot are very rare.
MYTH: "The flu shot does not work."
FACT: The flu shot is very effective in preventing most flu illnesses when there is a good match between circulating viruses and those in the vaccine. Getting the vaccine is your best protection.
MYTH: "You must get the flu vaccine before December.”
FACT: Peak flu season runs from October through March. The vaccine works well when given just before or anytime during flu season. The best time to get vaccinated is October or November to be protected through the flu season.
MYTH: "The side effects are worse than the flu."
FACT: The most common side effect you’re likely to get from a flu shot is a sore arm. The nasal mist flu vaccine might cause nasal symptoms. Severe allergic reactions may occur very rarely in people with certain allergies.
MYTH: "Only older people need a flu vaccine."
FACT: The flu vaccine is very important protection for adults and children with conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Doctors also recommend the vaccine to prevent the severe illnesses of the flu and its complications for anyone over 6 months of age.
This message is brought to you by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and this station.
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Distributed by DHEC's Division of Media Relations
Clair Boatwright - (803) 898-4461
E-mail - boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov
CBNR 1404