Be prepared for the holidays!

Be prepared for the holidays 

Keep yourself and others healthy!

1 in 3 South Carolinians has a disability.

We know that people with disabilities are higher risk for  getting very sick or dying from COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.

Here's some easy things you can do to stay healthy, and prevent sickness in those you love.

• More people are choosing not to wear masks.
• You can still wear a mask to protect yourself.
• Even without a mask, you can stay healthy and keep others healthy by:
• getting your vaccines
• washing your hands often
• staying home when you are sick
• staying away from sick people.

Sickness that is mild for some can be deadly

for people with disabilities of all ages.

1) Getting your COVID-19 vaccine and flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from getting very sick and dying from these illnesses.

2) Getting your vaccines protects you and others! Everyone visiting you for the holidays should be vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.

3) Anyone ages 6 months and older should get vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.

4) When gathering, be sure to wash your hands often, especially after touching surfaces or items that are being touched by other people. Avoid touching your face, nose, mouth, and eyes to prevent spreading germs to yourself.

5) If you feel sick, even just a little bit, don't gather with others. Stay home. Seek out a COVID-19, flu, or RSV test if you are unsure what your sickness is. Staying home when you are sick protects others.

6) Tell your guests not to come to your gathering if they feel sick, even a little bit. Miss them? Make an effort to talk on the phone, over video chat, or meet when they are well.

Extra tips:

• If you have to care for someone who is sick, wear a mask around them to protect yourself. You can't help them if you are sick too.
• Black, Indigenous, and other people of color with disabilities are at an even greater risk of getting very sick and dying from COVID-19 and the flu. Learn more and read stories from BIPOC people who've gotten vaccinated to protect themselves at this link: https://www.able-sc.org/bipocvax/
• Still got questions about vaccines and your disability? Check out the detailed resources here: www.scdisabilityvaccine.org

Able SC BIPOC Webpage

Are you still unsure about vaccination? Call the SC Disability Vaccine Access Hotline: 1-800-787-6046. Ask questions and get help making your plan!

SCDisabilityVaccine.org