COLOMBIA, SC (WRDW / WAGT) – South Carolina is opening COVID-19 vaccination appointments on Monday for all residents aged 65 and over.
Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced the change on Wednesday.
The DHEC online tool at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator shows locations that are accepting appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine and provides contact information for scheduling appointments at those locations.
State health leaders cited increased federal government vaccine allocations and a simplified statewide vaccination plan, but emphasized that vaccine supply remains limited.
“Additional steps to streamline access to more Southern Carolinians – including teachers and others in Phase 1B – will be made based on the use of the vaccine, the number of appointments and other information about the vaccine delivery,” said DHEC on Wednesday. on a news release.
Teachers have called for McMaster to be added to the vaccination priority list. He replied that he wanted to add those 65 and older to Group 1A before moving on to Group 1B, which includes teachers and other essential workers.
Officials say 81.7 percent of COVID-19 deaths in South Carolina occurred among people 65 and older. The average age of COVID-related deaths in South Carolina is 75. There are approximately 309,000 people in South Carolina between 65 and 69 years old. To date, South Carolina has received 777,250 vaccines and administered 439,888 vaccines. In addition, 382,695 Southern Carolinians have scheduled vaccination appointments.
In South Carolina, there are currently 458 activated COVID-19 vaccination sites, many of which are currently accepting appointments, with others scheduled to start accepting appointments soon.
What to know
- As of Monday, any South Carolina resident at least 65 years of age can schedule their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- The risk of serious illness with COVID-19 increases with age, with older adults being at higher risk.
- Residents will be asked to provide a driver’s license or other form of identification at the appointment that confirms their age and therefore their eligibility to receive the vaccine.
- Southern Carolinians eligible to receive the vaccine can schedule an appointment at a location that accepts the COVID-19 vaccine nominations. Scdhec.gov/vaxlocator can be used to find these locations and obtain contact information to schedule appointments at those locations. People can also call DHEC’s COVID-19 vaccine information line at 866-365-8110 for help finding vaccine suppliers and their contact information to schedule an appointment.
- COVID-19 is still at high levels in South Carolina. Wear a face mask, stand 2 meters away from others, avoid crowds and get tested frequently.
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