CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – Families in more rural areas say trying to get vaccines for loved ones has become a daily challenge.
Kathy Ford said it took her weeks to find an appointment for the first dose for her and her husband.
“We looked daily and now I got a vaccine appointment for me and my husband,” said Ford. “But that was only through the word of mouth of a family member who happened to meet another person who said he called DHEC.”
Ford says he is still looking for a second dose of the vaccine for his disabled sister. She says an emergency doctor at Tidelands Health made an appointment for last Thursday, but when she arrived, there was no appointment on the agenda.
“She went there just to tell them that we were only 70 or older, so she called me very upset and emotional, and they didn’t give it to her,” said Ford. “She is about to get her second vaccine and we just can’t get it.”
The hospital’s vaccine clinic is by appointment only.
Tidelands spokesman Dawn Bryant said they did not have a record of appointments for Ford’s sister.
“We are currently scheduling vaccination appointments only for those on our waiting list, which includes approximately 15,000 people,” said Bryant. “Vaccine appointments are scheduled over the phone for those on the waiting list, when requesting receipt of orders.”
Ford says he wants to get more communication from healthcare providers across the state to help people find queries that may not be as well known on the computer.
“Well, if you say you have it and there are appointments you can schedule, ask someone to communicate when it’s the best time to call or get in touch with those who are looking,” said Ford. We reached this high point of saying yes, we achieved something, boom, the communication between the facilities is the vaccinator and then you go boom and fall face first and start all over again going up this ladder to get nowhere. “
Patricia Davis said she checked online at all pharmacies and vaccine providers she met for days before deciding to drive 45 miles outside Georgetown County to get her first COVID-19 vaccine.
“Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Publix, Tideland’s health,” said Davis. “When you go to the places where vaccines should be available, you are faced with an obstacle.”
Ford says that with recent cancellations and postponements of vaccination clinics across the state, she believes she will finally be able to have her long-awaited appointment.
“I’m sure this must be happening to other people, which is causing another level of frustration,” said Ford.
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