COLUMBIA - With regular season influenza season approaching, South Carolinians are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccinations.

"Regular seasonal flu vaccine is now available statewide," said Jerry Gibson, MD, director of the Department of Health and Environmental Control's Bureau of Disease Control. "The best way to protect yourself and your family is to get a seasonal flu shot. It's especially important for those with a higher risk for flu-related complications, as well as those who live with or care for people at high risk. The vaccine provides immunity not only for the person who receives it, but also for the community at large when more people are protected."

According to Dr. Gibson, flu is a very serious illness in South Carolina. Each year about 700 people die from seasonal flu in the state and more than 4,000 South Carolinians are admitted to a hospital. Flu is a leading cause of death for people age 65 and over.

"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 diseases are more likely to have complications from seasonal flu.'

Dr. Gibson countered a popular myth by saying that you will not get the flu from the seasonal flu shot.He also reminded people to 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 seasonal influenza vaccine is available in physicians' offices and communities. DHEC's county public health departments are also offering flu shot clinics. Information about DHEC clinics is regularly updated on the DHEC web site.

DHEC is only one of the 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 participants should contact their plans to learn whether a certain provider is able to provide the flu shot.

Children and adolescents, ages 6 months through 18 years of age, are eligible for free seasonal flu vaccine through the DHEC Vaccination Assurance For All Children Immunization Partnership, which is available in many doctors' offices, community health center and DHEC's county public health departments.

"The majority of the seasonal flu vaccine available in our state will be through private providers such as doctors' offices and other locations," Dr. Gibson said. "It is important to remember that the seasonal vaccine will not protect against the Novel H1N1 influenza. A separate vaccine will be available for the new virus later this year."

Information about who should get a flu vaccination is on the web, available from your health care provider, or any of DHEC's 46 county health departments. Information is also available by dialing 211 from anywhere inside the state.

Flu vaccination information, clinic times and locations are available by calling DHEC's Immunization Division toll free at 1-800-277-4687.

GET A SHOT

The cost is $25. Cash, check or Medicare is accepted. Do not let cost prevent you from getting a flu shot. Ask how DHEC can help.

Bring your Medicaid or Medicare Part B card with you, if you have one.

Other vaccines that you can get at your visit include: 1) Pneumonia vaccine and 2) Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccines.

Wear a short-sleeved shirt.