Vaccines protect Everyone in SC

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) along with the South Carolina Immunization Coalition and its partners, participated in an event hosted by Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, Aug. 15, to recognize and promote National Immunization Awareness Month and South Carolina Immunization Week. Everyone involved is encouraging South Carolinians of all ages to get vaccinated to help protect our communities against diseases and prevent some cancers. “People who don’t receive the recommended vaccines are at risk for getting a disease or illness that is truly preventable,” said Tracy Foo, M.D., MPH, DHEC Medical Consultant, Divisions of Immunization and Acute Disease Epidemiology. “Every dose of every vaccine is important to protect yourself and others in the community from infectious diseases.” Protection begins before birth. Pregnant women are advised to get flu and whooping cough vaccines to pass the protection on to their babies. Vaccines protect babies from 14 diseases by the time they reach 2 years of age. Preteen and teen vaccines protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases, like whooping cough, meningitis and certain types of cancers. Adults and seniors need immunizations to protect against diseases such as influenza (flu), whooping cough, shingles and pneumonia. Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best protection against these diseases. Some people are not able to be vaccinated because of weak immune systems due to cancer or other health conditions or are too young to be fully vaccinated. These people count on their community to be fully vaccinated to help protect them from diseases. It is easy to find the vaccines you need in South Carolina. Talk to your health care provider, local health department or pharmacist to find out which vaccines are right for you and your family. There are programs for children and adults that provide low or no cost vaccines for eligible people. Adults can get vaccines at many local pharmacies without a prescription. All county health departments provides vaccines for people of all ages. Call 855-472-3432 for an appointment. August is recognized as National Immunization Awareness Month and the South Carolina Legislature has designated Aug. 13-19, 2018 as South Carolina Immunization Week. For more information on what immunizations you and your family need, including a list of vaccines needed for school admission, visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines or http://www.scdhec.gov/Health/Vaccinations/.