Respiratory disease season coming, vaccinate now

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) wants to remind the public that respiratory disease season is coming soon. Now is the time to get vaccinated against the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

“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.”

People should talk to their healthcare providers to determine which vaccines are right for them. Some vaccines may not be available to people with a history of allergy to vaccine components or certain other conditions. That’s why it is important for others to get vaccinated—increasing the immunization coverage in the general population can help protect those vulnerable people who cannot receive certain vaccines.

In addition to the vaccines, other ways to prevent the spread of viruses include:

• washing your hands regularly with soap and water
• covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze
• staying at home if you feel unwell

DPH offers helpful information about flu, COVID-19 and RSV:

• Flu vaccines are updated yearly to match the current strains, so the latest flu vaccine is available in the fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone aged six months and older get the latest flu shot.
• COVID-19 vaccination for 2024-2025 is updated like the flu shot to offer the best protection from the current strains of the virus
• Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available from retail pharmacies, healthcare providers or local DPH health departments.
• RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs, and symptoms can be very similar to the common cold. Unlike flu and COVID vaccines, the RSV vaccine is not required yearly. However, the CDC and DPH recommend vaccinations for
  • adults aged 75 and older
  • adults between the ages of 60-74 who are at an increased risk of severe RSV
  • pregnant women between 32-36 weeks of pregnancy. The vaccine’s antibodies are passed to the fetus, protecting the newborn from severe RSV for up to six months.
• the RSV antibody is recommended for
  • some infants younger than eight months born during RSV season or entering their first RSV season, depending on the status of the mother’s vaccine
  • some children ages 8-19 months who are entering their second RSV season

People without insurance and those whose insurance doesn’t cover vaccines may be eligible for no-cost vaccines at DPH clinics. Contact your local county health department for more information.