The South Carolina Department of Public Health (SCDPH) issued a reminder on Monday encouraging residents to update their vaccinations before the busy fall and winter holiday season.
SCDPH stressed that people face increased exposure risks to seasonal respiratory viruses—including the flu (influenza), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19—during the colder months. The agency noted that the populations at the highest risk for severe disease from all three viruses are largely similar.
Health officials emphasized the need for protection ahead of the holidays, noting that Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel and gathering days of the year. Getting vaccinated now helps prevent illness and reduces the chance of severe sickness, allowing residents to safely enjoy the season with family and friends.
SCDPH recommends the following vaccinations for residents:
- Flu (Influenza): An annual vaccine is recommended for everyone aged six months or older.
- RSV: A single RSV vaccine is advised for adults 75 and older, for adults aged 60-74 who have increased risk factors, and for expectant mothers (during weeks 32 to 36 of pregnancy) to transfer protective antibodies to the fetus.
- COVID-19: A vaccine is recommended for individuals identified as being at increased risk for severe disease.
Additionally, due to an ongoing measles outbreak in the Upstate region of South Carolina, DPH strongly encourages residents who lack immunity to receive the Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
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