The front page story in the January 10 edition of the Aiken Standard on the launch of the COVID-19 vaccine should raise concern for South Carolina residents. A January 8 article in the New York Times shows the launch across all SC states fourth among residents who received vaccines with 1.3%.
South Carolina received 256,550 doses of vaccine with 64,729 given based on the Times article for 25% of the doses used. West Virginia used 69% of its vaccines and North Dakota 68%. The doses used in several states are in the range of 30% and 40%, with Connecticut and South Dakota in the 1950s. It is true that some of these states have fewer residents than South Carolina, but something is not right.
Connecticut received 219,125 doses with a 53% use against South Carolina receiving 256,550 doses with a 25% use. Difficult questions need to be asked of state officials as to why South Carolina is basically the last Charlie to launch the vaccine.
We have known for months that vaccines would eventually be available. It appears that South Carolina authorities may not have a ready and enforceable implementation plan for when vaccines arrive. The Aiken Standard article indicated that elderly residents will begin receiving the vaccine in late winter. Old friends of ours who live in North Carolina received their first chance last week. Information on where to go and when they were on the county government website.
South Carolina appears to be in the dark ages and hampered by the vaccine launch.
Bill Erwin
Aiken