More than 2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered in South Carolina. The state reached the mark this week, when all residents aged 16 and over became eligible for the injection.
Although doses of the vaccine remain limited, the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control said the state of Palmetto and others are seeing an increase in the number of doses received from the federal government.
On April 1, 31.4 percent of Southern Carolinians received at least one injection of COVID-19 and 17.1 percent are considered to be fully vaccinated, DHEC said in a press release.
“Our message, loud and clear, is ‘don’t wait – get vaccinated’,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, interim director of public health at DHEC. “Although you may not be able to get your chance right away, we ask everyone to continue looking for a compromise.”
Providers are working to open appointments quickly based on inventory, said Traxler. Schedule availability varies each week.
Dr. Edward Simmer, director of DHEC, said that reaching the 2 million mark is a giant step towards ending the pandemic in South Carolina. He said the agency is grateful to local leaders, providers and community partners for their efforts. to put the shots on the weapons as quickly as possible.
“Now we need to continue this great effort until all South Americans have the opportunity to receive the vaccine,” said Simmer.
Until herd immunity is achieved, DHEC recommends that people continue to wear masks and physical distance.
State figures
New cases reported: 510 confirmed, 435 likely.
Total cases in SC: 465,650 confirmed, 87,031 probable.
Positive percentage: 5.7 percent.
New reported deaths: 14 confirmed, 14 probable.
Total deaths in SC: 8,087 confirmed, 1,087 probable.
Percentage of ICU beds occupied: 69.1 percent.
How does SC rank in vaccines administered by 100,000 people?
41 on March 31, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Most affected areas
In the total number of new confirmed cases, Greenville County (84), Charleston County (60) and York County (47) saw the highest totals.
What about the tri-county?
Charleston County had 60 new cases on April 1, while Berkeley had 31 and Dorchester had 12.
Deaths
Five of the new confirmed deaths reported were from people aged 35 to 64, and the rest were patients aged 65 and over.
Hospitalizations
Of the 502 patients with COVID-19 hospitalized on April 1, 121 were in the ICU and 48 were using ventilators.
What do the experts say?
All South Carolinians aged 16 and over can now receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Those interested in scheduling an appointment can call 866-365-8110 or visit scdhec.gov/vaxlocator to find a location for the vaccine.
No vaccine is authorized for children under 15 yet. The Pfizer vaccine is the only vaccine allowed for children aged 16 and 17. All others are authorized for people over 18 years of age.