The day after providing an update on COVID-19 vaccines, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced that the percentage of vaccinations across the state for doses received by the federal government is 31 percent, which is above the national average of 19 percent and almost double that of other southeastern states.
“We continue to successfully implement the carefully crafted statewide vaccination plan and the number of Phase 1a individuals who can currently receive the vaccine is increasing each week,” said Dr. Linda Bell, Epidemiologist for the State of Carolina at South. “Our overall goal is to prevent further loss of life due to this deadly virus, and with the irreplaceable frontline medical workers and vulnerable residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities and staff receiving vaccine, we are well on our way to meeting this objective. “
Based on current panels and reports, utilization rates (doses administered and doses allocated and / or sent from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine) indicate:
South Carolina: 35,158 / 112,125 (31%)
North Carolina 63,500 / 323,125 (20%)
Georgia: 52,242 / 372,900 (14%)
Alabama: 20,354 / 128,175 (16%)
Using the Data Tracker COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of national vaccine administration, based on the doses distributed and the first doses administered, is currently 19 percent.
Dr. Bell reminded the South Carolinians that, although more vaccines continue to arrive in the state, doses are limited in South Carolina, as in all states. She also encouraged everyone to remain patient and follow the guidance of public health officials.
“It will be an unknown time before everyone who would like to be vaccinated can get the vaccine,” said Dr. Bell. “We ask all South Carolina residents to continue to be patient and understand that an effort like this will take many weeks to complete the initial phases and months to reach our final goal of coverage for the population. When my turn comes, I will be among the first in line waiting to receive the vaccine, but until then, I will continue to take the daily actions that protect me, my loved ones and my community. It is the responsibility of each of us to wear our masks, to keep ourselves physically apart, to have regular exams and to stay home if we are sick with any symptoms. “
As residents across South Carolina prepared to celebrate the new year, Dr. Bell warned of potential increases in COVID-19 cases and urged everyone to take steps to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by staying at home:
“I think it’s fair to say that many of us are eager to leave 2020 – the year that has cost so many of us so much – behind. But I join public health officials across the country and the world to warn that New Year’s Eve celebrations can be devastating. The safest way to celebrate, as it has been during this holiday season, is to stay at home. In a year full of sadness, loss and frustration, we cannot give up now. We must maintain our vigilance until 2021. ”