Here are the 3 shots you need in SC this fall, DHEC says — and where to get them
Respiratory illnesses are expected to spike starting this fall and South Carolinians should get three different vaccines to fight them, health officials say.
Cases of the flu, RSV and COVID-19 are expected to rise in the coming months, said Dr. Linda Bell, epidemiologist with the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control. The flu season officially began this month and will last through March. But now COVID has begun to pop up again.
“We already started to see an increase of COVID-19 cases over the last 2 months or so,” Bell said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the fall. The agency adds that this is the first fall and winter virus season in which vaccines are available for the three viruses responsible for most hospitalizations — COVID-19, RSV and flu.
Respiratory illnesses to prepare for in SC
- RSV — Respiratory syncytial virus is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.
- Flu — Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death.
- COVID — Coronavirus disease is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most infected people will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.
Where to get vaccines in SC
Vaccines are available at offices of healthcare providers and many pharmacies, including national chains.
- To find a flu vaccine, click here.
- To find a COVID vaccine, click here.
- To get and RSV vaccine, talk to your doctor. Also, national pharmacy chains Walgreens and CVS have announced they offer the RSV vaccine.
