DPH Encourages Preventative Measures, Vaccination Amid Increase in COVID Cases

Due to a significant seasonal increase in COVID-19 cases across the state, the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents to practice precautionary measures to help prevent further spread of the virus.  

South Carolinians are encouraged to take the following steps to help prevent COVID-19 illnesses and its complications in their communities: 

• Cover your coughs and sneezes. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. 
• Stay home and limit your contact with others when sick. 

At-home COVID-19 test kits are one of the best ways to detect COVID-19 infection early. Free COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests are still available at most DPH health clinics throughout the state. 

Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness from COVID-19. 

As with the flu vaccine that is updated and made available each fall, an updated COVID-19 vaccine is expected in the coming months. Going forward, an updated COVID vaccine would be available around the same time each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter whether or not they have previously received a COVID-19 vaccine.  

Vaccination is especially important for those 60 and older and for people with other underlying medical conditions. Residents are encouraged to speak with their health care provider to evaluate the risks and benefits of vaccination for them. 

Most health insurance plans (Medicaid, Medicare or private) cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you. Visit vaccines.gov to find a COVID vaccine provider near you.  

DPH health clinics also offer vaccination for adults without insurance or whose insurance does not cover the cost of vaccination. To make an appointment, call 1-855-472-3432 or schedule  online using Web Chat.  

For children ages 18 and younger without insurance, no-cost vaccines are routinely available from DPH clinics and other enrolled providers through the federal  Vaccines for Children Program. 

DPH and the CDC also recommend that everyone 6 months and older get the flu vaccine. For more information on flu prevention and where to get a flu vaccine in South Carolina, visit the DPH website.