covid-19 vaccine south carolina

COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded in South Carolina

As of Wednesday, March 31st, any South Carolinian aged 16 and older is eligible to schedule and receive their COVID-19 vaccine, marking South Carolina’s move to Phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.

In an effort to get as many individuals vaccinated as possible, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster made the decision to skip Phase 1C, which would have only included individuals aged 45 and older, and opened up the vaccine eligibility to include more people.

In a statement on the decision to open vaccine eligibility, DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said, “We started by making vaccines available to those who were most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19; the elderly, those with high risk of exposure at work, and those with medical conditions that worsen the effects of COVID-19…we are now able to offer three very safe and effective vaccines to all South Carolina residents over the age of 16 – another step on our path to take control of COVID-19 instead of it controlling us and getting back to normal.”

Click here to find a COVID-19 vaccination center near you and schedule your vaccine.

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South Carolina Entering New Phase in Vaccine Distribution

On March 2nd, Governor Henry McMaster announced that South Carolina is officially moving into Phase 1b in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Starting on March 8th, individuals aged 55 and over, people with high-risk medical conditions and front-line workers with increased risk are all eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

The front-line workers who are eligible to receive the vaccine in this next rollout include anyone who is in close contact with other individuals as a part of their job and who is at risk of exposure to COVID-19. These individuals include law enforcement officers, teachers and other school staff, grocery store workers, etc.

Find a vaccine provider and schedule your appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through South Carolina’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.

It is expected that the state will move into Phase 1c of vaccine distribution on April 12th. In addition, officials hope to have the vaccine available for everyone who wishes to receive it by the summer of 2021.

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SC Residents Aged 65 and Over Can Start Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

Beginning Monday, February 8th, South Carolina residents aged 65 and over can begin signing up to receive their COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the Department of Health and Environmental Control, 82% of the individuals in South Carolina who have died from COVID-19 have been 65 years of age and older.

Governor Henry McMaster recently announced the rollout of the new age group saying, “We have a moral and ethical duty to first vaccinate the South Carolinians who are at highest risk of dying from the virus.”

Following the vaccination of those aged 65 and over, teachers will be next in line to get their vaccine.

McMaster also addressed the decision to prioritize senior citizens saying, “At this time, placing a younger person between a senior citizen and what could be their life saving shot would be unconscionable and irresponsible.”

Officials hope the expansion of those who are eligible to receive the vaccine will help slow the spread of the disease and protect those who are most vulnerable.

Click here for more information on how you can sign-up to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

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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.