Prisma Health launches Midlands free flu shot campaign

COLUMBIA, S.C.—In October, Prisma Health will launch its annual Midlands community free flu vaccination campaign as part of its system-wide effort to offer protection from the highly contagious virus.

Protect your family with free flu shots available at sites in Richland, Lexington and Sumter counties. The flu shot is available for anyone six months and older. Flu immunizations will be offered at multiple drive-thru sites to maximize community access. These sites will offer only flu shots.

• Flu shots will be administered by drive-thru, with the exception of the 9 Medical Park lobby location.
• For drive-thru locations, there will be limited capacity to provide vaccines outside of the vehicle for children, if needed.
• Flu shots at 9 Medical Park will be administered in the first-floor lobby area every Wednesday and Thursday in October from 3–6 p.m.
• High-dosage flu vaccines for individuals age 65 and over will be offered at all locations except Dent Middle School.
• Please wear a short-sleeve shirt or loose-fitting clothing that can easily roll up to assist with vaccines.
• Face masks or shields will be required, along with temperature checks. Anyone with a fever will not be allowed a flu shot vaccine.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic continues in this latest surge, it’s more important than ever to get your flu vaccination,” said Vince Ford, senior vice president of community health services. “I know we are asking a lot by encouraging everyone eligible to be vaccinated for both COVID-19 and the flu, but these vaccines are life-saving and at the very least can reduce the severity of illness.” 

Midlands free flu shot schedule and sites

Wednesday, Oct. 6–Thursday, Oct. 28, 3–6 p.m.
(Every Wednesday and Thursday)

• Prisma Health Richland Hospital Campus, 9 Medical Park building
  9 Richland Medical Park Dr., Columbia, SC 29203

Saturday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Lower Richland High School
  2615 Lower Richland Blvd., Hopkins, SC 29061
• Columbia International University
  7435 Monticello Rd., Columbia, SC 29203

Saturday, Oct. 9, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Dent Middle School
  2721 Decker Blvd., Columbia, SC 29206
• Sumter High School
  2580 McCray’s Mill Rd., Sumter, SC 29154 (Enter through gate 1)

Saturday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• Dreher High School
  3319 Millwood Ave., Columbia, SC 29205
• Crossroads Intermediate School
  6949 St. Andrews Rd., Columbia, SC 29212

Saturday, Oct. 23, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• St. Andrews Middle School
  1231 Bluefield Dr., Columbia, SC 29210
• Richland Two Institute of Innovation (R2I2)
  765 Fashion Dr., Columbia, SC 29229

Saturday, Oct. 30, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

• W.A. Perry Middle School (Challenger Parking Lot)
  2600 Barhamville Rd., Columbia, SC 29204
• Webber Elementary School
  140 Webber School Rd., Eastover, SC 29044
• Soda City Market
  1300-1600 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201

Consent forms are required and available at each site. Children under the age of 16 require a parent/guardian signature. Flu shots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Because flu symptoms closely mirror COVID-19 symptoms, it can be virtually impossible to differentiate between flu and COVID-19 without testing. That means a case of the flu, even if it turns out to be mild, can cause substantial disruption to school and work for patients forced to isolate.

While flu is highly contagious, flu immunizations can significantly diminish its spread. Even if someone immunized against the flu still gets the flu, their illness is typically less severe and shorter in duration. Virtually everyone, including pregnant women and children six months or older, should be vaccinated against the flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart and lung diseases.

Flu vaccines cannot be given to those who have COVID-19 or think they have COVID-19.

About Prisma Health

Prisma Health is a not-for-profit health company and the largest healthcare system in South Carolina. With nearly 30,000 team members, 18 acute care and specialty hospitals, 2,947 beds, approximately 300 outpatient sites, and nearly 5,000 employed and clinically integrated network physicians and providers, Prisma Health serves more than 1.2 million unique patients annually in its 21-county market area that covers 50% of South Carolina. Prisma Health’s goal is to improve the health of all South Carolinians by enhancing clinical quality, the patient experience and access to affordable care, as well as conducting clinical research and training the next generation of medical professionals. For more information, visit PrismaHealth.org.