The Department of Environmental Health and Control says with regular seasonal influenza season approaching, South Carolinians are encouraged to get their seasonal flu vaccinations.

They say the regular seasonal flu vaccine is now available statewide and it's say the best way to protect yourself and your family.

It's especially important for those with a higher risk for flu-related complications, as well as those who live with or care for people at high risk.

DHEC says each year about 700 people die from seasonal flu in our state, and more than 4,000 South Carolinians are admitted to a hospital.

Flu vaccination information, clinic times and locations will be available at: http://www.scdhec.gov/flu/clinics.asp 

Or you can call DHEC's immunization division at (803) 898-0460, or toll free at 1-800-277-4687.