The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) recently submitted the state’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The general objective of this vaccination plan is the equitable distribution of the vaccine across the state, based on the most current federal guidelines and recommendations.
DHEC; the South Carolina Emergency Management Division; South Carolina Hospital Association; National guard; South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division; Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; and other public and private sector partners worked closely to develop the plan. It is available online at scdhec.gov/covid19vaccine.
“Safety is a top priority in any vaccine development and no vaccine will be released until it has passed the rigorous scientific and clinical tests required as part of all vaccine development,” said Dr. Linda Bell, Epidemiologist for the State of Carolina do Sul, in a press release. “Scientists had already started research on coronavirus vaccines during previous outbreaks caused by related coronaviruses, and this previous research provided a starting point for the rapid development of vaccines to protect against infection with the new SARS-CoV2 coronavirus , the virus that causes COVID-19. “
During the initial stages of the National Vaccination Program COVID-19, there will be limited supply of the vaccine. This limited supply will be made available to certain identified groups, including frontline medical workers and nursing home residents. The supply of the COVID-19 vaccine is expected to increase substantially and be more widely available to the public by 2021.
For more information, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccines, visit scdhec.gov/covid19vaccine.