COLOMBIA, SC (WRDW / WAGT) – The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control has updated South Carolina’s efforts to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.
State Epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell, Assistant State Epidemiologist Dr. Jane Kelly and DHEC Immunization Director Stephen White spoke during the briefing and answered questions.
DHEC organized a press conference on Thursday. Listen to the recording below. Note that it is Audio only.
DHEC says that South Carolina has also presented a complete vaccination plan that has been approved by the federal government.
According to DHEC, the Pfizer vaccine should be approved as early as December 10 and South Carolina will be able to see vaccine deliveries between December 14 and 16.
A separate supply of the Modern vaccine could be available about a week after the supply of Phizer.
The state expects to have five locations capable of storing vaccines at ultra-low temperatures and to have 200 suppliers across the state capable of making the vaccines.
At the moment, there is no confirmed number of doses that the state could obtain, however, DHEC says that everyone who wants the vaccine will eventually be vaccinated. Doctors will start a phased approach, starting with the most vulnerable population.
Details of the phased implementation of vaccinations
Phase 1a: Health professionals and residents of long-term care facilities.
Phase 1b: After phase 1a, people are at risk of contracting the virus due to old age, underlying health conditions, levels of exposure such as group houses and correctional facilities.
Phase 2: Individuals at increased risk due to workplace settings, such as schools.
Phase 3: Open to everyone who wants to receive the vaccine. The authorities note that this phase may not begin until the spring of 2021.
Everyone who receives a vaccination injection should receive a second dose, according to their doctor.
The authorities hope to complete phase 1a in January and then move on to phase 1b as supplies allow. They are also looking to establish vaccination clinics for rural areas or areas without medical centers.
While conversations about the vaccine continue, officials emphasize the importance of continuing the current precautions of COVID-19, such as washing hands, wearing masks and socializing, even after vaccination.
They also ask the public to get flu shots because they are concerned about the burden of medical facilities with coronavirus and flu outbreaks.
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