Photo: South Carolina Department of Public Health     RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is urging residents who have not gotten their annual flu shot to do in advance of upcoming seasonal and holiday gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and DPH recommend everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot each year. “Getting your flu shot is the best way to reduce your risk of getting the flu and its potentially serious complications,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist. The specific strains of flu change every year, and as a result the flu vaccine is updated every year to match the current strains, said SCDPH officials. “We encourage all South Carolinians to receive their vaccination to protect not only themselves, but their community by preventing illnesses that spread to others,” continued Dr. Bell. Anyone without insurance and those whose insurance does not cover vaccines may be eligible for no-cost vaccines at DPH clinics. The latest report shows a total of 140 lab-confirmed cases of flu for the week of Nov.17 through Nov.23. There have been 670 lab-confirmed cases and 82 influenza-associated hospitalizations and one death for the 2024-25 flu season so far, according to health officials. Additional information about flu and the flu vaccine is also available at DPH’s flu webpage and the CDC’s website. Categories: Local News, Richland Tags: SCDPH, South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)