COLOMBIA, SC (WRDW / WAGT) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control eased concerns about a possible outbreak of COVID-19 on Friday.
Comments were made during an afternoon meeting on efforts to implement vaccination against coronavirus in the state.
Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim director of public health, was asked if she is concerned about a sudden increase.
She said South Carolina is not seeing an increase and the cases are stabilizing. However, the outcome will depend on the actions of the public, she said.
She also assured the public that being vaccinated against the virus will not affect her ability to donate blood.
She said that vaccinated people do not need to be tested for COVID-19 unless they develop symptoms, but that unvaccinated people who are away from home in the community should be tested about once a month.
She said that booster doses may be needed at some point, but it is too early to say.
She was asked why people’s arms hurt so much after receiving an injection and said the needle may have a little to do with it, but for the most part, it is the liquid from the vaccine. It stretches the muscle fibers to enter, and it causes pain.
Everyone in South Carolina aged 16 or over is eligible for vaccination, although some formulations are not approved for children under 18.
But do minors need parental permission to get the vaccine?
The matter was not addressed at Friday’s meeting, but Nick Davidson, DHEC’s senior deputy for public health, addressed it earlier this week.
“While we still encourage 16- and 17-year-olds to talk to their parents, talk to their families and guardians about their vaccination decision, but no, it is not necessary for them to have parental consent,” said Davidson.
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