COVID-19 Vaccine Available For Residents Aged 70 and Over

As of January 13th, South Carolina residents aged 70 and older are officially eligible to begin scheduling their appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is assisting qualifying individuals in their search of vaccination sites.

Over 67 percent of COVID-19 related deaths in South Carolina have been amongst individuals over the age of 70 so officials are eager to get as many people vaccinated as possible.

Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Director of Public Health, explained the state’s decision to begin vaccinating this portion of the population saying, “Based on current data, the mortality rate from COVID-19 for those 70 and older in South Carolina is approximately 655 deaths per 100,000 individuals. For those under the age of 70, there are approximately 37 COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 individuals. This is a staggering comparison and illustrates why vaccinating this population next is critically important in our mission to save lives.”

There are no required pre-existing conditions that an individual needs to have in order to receive their vaccine – as long as they are a South Carolina resident aged 70 or older, they can schedule their vaccination appointment.

DHEC has created an online map showing the locations that are currently accepting vaccination appointments throughout the state. They are also assisting individuals in finding vaccination locations through their Care Line at 1-855-472-3432.