sc coronavirus vaccine

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.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Arrives In South Carolina

The COVID-19 vaccine first arrived in South Carolina on Monday, December 14th.

The FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which requires two doses that are taken 21 days apart, is currently being distributed in an effort to save lives by aiding those who are most susceptible and in close contact with the virus.

As a part of Phase 1a of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, frontline workers have begun receiving the vaccine. Between now and the end of the year, vaccines will hopefully also be available for nursing home residents and individuals in long-term care facilities.

Dr. Jane Kelly, Assistant State Epidemiologist, said South Carolina “should receive 200,000 to 300,000 doses of vaccine by the end of the year, but that depends upon several things. That also takes into consideration that the Moderna vaccine will receive emergency use authorization, which we think it will, but that’s not confirmed yet.”

In a tweet on the arrival of the vaccine to the state, Governor Henry McMaster said, “Our frontline healthcare workers have sacrificed so much for our people this year. Now, we’ve received the first shipments of the COVID-19 vaccine and medical professionals across the state will begin receiving doses soon.We are witnessing American ingenuity at its finest!”

Click here to learn more about the FDA-approved Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.