Vaccine launch picks up speed, Phase 1b starts next week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 2, 2021
COLOMBIA, SC – South Carolina reached a milestone this week, with more than one million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine administered in the state. To date, a total of 1,003,558 doses of Pfizer and Moderna have been administered.
The South Carolina Department of Health and Control (DHEC) and Governor Henry McMaster announced earlier today that, due to steady progress with the state’s phased vaccination plan, the state is prepared to proceed to the next phase, Phase 1b , starting on March 8.
“Placing the COVID-19 vaccine in the arms of a million people in a matter of just a few months is proof of our state’s commitment to ending the COVID-19 pandemic in South Carolina,” said Dr. Edward Simmer, Director of DHEC. “We thank our local leaders, providers and community partners for their tireless work in helping us bring the vaccine to our communities. Over the next few days, weeks and months, we expect to see even more Southern Carolinians being vaccinated. “
South Carolinians are encouraged to continue to protect themselves and others
While thousands of South Carolinians continue to receive their COVID-19 vaccines every day, it will probably be summer before a sufficient population is vaccinated and current public health precautions can be relaxed.
DHEC reminds all South Carolinians that up to 70 to 80 percent of the population is vaccinated, everyone must take the same daily precautions that protect against the virus, even if you have been vaccinated. This means wearing your masks, staying two meters away from others, washing your hands frequently and getting tested regularly.
Allocation of South Carolina’s Janssen vaccine to help increase access
Earlier this week, DHEC announced the arrival of the state’s first allocation of approximately 41,100 doses of the newly authorized Janssen single dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).
“We believe that this new vaccine will help speed up vaccination efforts across the state because it is a single dose injection and can also be stored easily, in refrigerated temperatures, for several months,” said Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist . “When it is your turn, I recommend that you get any vaccine that is offered to you. The Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen vaccines are all safe and effective in preventing serious illness and death. ”
For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit scdhec.gov/vaxfacts.
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