Did you skip a flu shot last year?

This may be the year you change your mind.

Department of Health and Environmental Control officials say it is critical for you to stay as healthy as possible during this global pandemic.

One safe guard is getting your flu shot. 

"This year, this may be the most important flu shot of your life,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim DHEC Public Health Director. 

“We’re experiencing the worst public health crisis in 100 years, and it’s never been more important for each and every one of us to stay as healthy as possible.

"We owe it to ourselves, our loved ones, and the essential workers and 1st responders.”

Contracting the flu and covid-19 at the same time is possible and could likely cause more complications than if the flu were the sole infection.

The flu vaccine that’s available this year protects against the 4 most common flu viruses that are expected to circulate this flu season.

Flu vaccines are safe, effective, and do not cause the flu.

“DHEC and the Centers for Disease Control recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated. Preventing the flu is critical for those who are at increased risk of complications from the virus, including children, adults aged 50 years and older, pregnant women and those with cchronic medical conditions. 

Covid-19 and the flu can have similar symptoms.

Both are serious and potentially deadly diseases.

However, it’s important to understand that:

• Over the past decade, flu caused an average 36,000 deaths a year in the US.
•  The current total of deaths due to covid-19 is 209,000 nationally. 
  In SC, over the past 6 years, flu deaths averaged 140 a year. 
• From March 1-October 7 this year, 3,530 infected victims have died in our  state. 
  Compared to the top SC causes of death in 2018, covid-19 would be the 3rd-leading cause of death ahead of accidents (3,368) and behind heart disease (10,460) and cancer (10,360).  

“Another reason why it’s so important to get your flu shot this year is we don’t want to overwhelm our hospitals, ICUs, and ventilators with both flu and covid-19 patients,” Traxler said.

Flu shots are available at multiple locations across the state, including certain DHEC public health offices, pharmacies, hospitals, doctors’ offices and other locations.

To see if your local DHEC public health office offers the flu shot and to schedule an appointment, click here or call  855-472-3432 to schedule an appointment.

For the latest on covid-19, visit scdhec.gov/COVID19.