Columbia, SC VA Center, Clinics Halt Child Visits Amid Flu

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - People who bring children to a South Carolina veteran’s hospital and its seven clinics around the state are being asked to stay out because of the risk of spreading the flu.

Officials at Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia said Tuesday they first began restricting children under 18 in September. They say they must step up enforcement of the restriction because people are still bringing children with them. Volunteers at the doors are asking people to make another appointment.

Officials say the step protects both the children and vulnerable patients.

The Dorn’s clinics are in Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Florence, Rock Hill, Sumter and Orangeburg.

Officials at the Ralph A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Charleston say they have no similar restriction.