The flu season usually picks up after the holidays and typically peaks in February or March in South Carolina. However, Department of Health and Environmental Control spokesman Jim Beasley says scattered cases of influenza have already been confirmed in the state.
“The federal CDC and DHEC strongly recommend that anyone over the age of six months should get the flu shot, unless there are certain conditions like egg allergies or you’ve had a strong reaction to a flu shot in the past,” Beasley says.
Beasley says getting flu protection is especially important for two particular age groups: “There are some people who really need to get vaccinated because they are at special risk; the particularly young and also the elderly, who seem to suffer the most serious complications of the flu.”
He says it takes time for the flu vaccine to develop to its full protection potential once it enters the body, so the best time to get a flu shot is now.
“Is still takes close to two weeks to be in your body before the flu vaccine actually has its full impact and offers you the best protection possible. So the sooner you get it the better,” says Beasley,
Beasley says flu vaccine is in plentiful supply through private providers around the state; also DHEC county public health departments will be offering vaccine.
