CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Doctors at the Medical University of South Carolina are urging people to receive the newest COVID-19 vaccinations as they continue to see elevated rates of the virus in the Lowcountry.

Dr. Michael Sweat says MUSC is seeing higher rates of COVID-19 now than they saw last winter, something that, up to this point, has not happened before.

Sweat says the process of getting new vaccines for the virus is much like the process of getting vaccinated for the flu; yearly updates to reflect the latest mutations in the virus to keep people as protected as possible.

He also says that only 7.4% of the South Carolina population is up-to-date with their vaccines.

Sweat encourages people to get the new vaccines, saying they are safe and effective. He also encourages everyone to follow proper protocols when they get sick.

Those who have tested positive for COVID-19 should continue to practice social distancing and wear a mask for five days after getting infected.