Find a location that accepts scheduled vaccines near you at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 3, 2021
COLUMBIA, SC – Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced today that As of Monday, February 8, any South Carolina resident aged 65 or older, regardless of health status or pre-existing conditions, can begin scheduling their appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.. 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.
With the increase in vaccine allocations from the federal government and a simplified state vaccination plan, it is now appropriate to expand the number of Southern Carolinians eligible to receive the vaccine. However, vaccine supply remains limited for the time being.
Additional steps to streamline access to new Southern Carolinians – including teachers and others in Phase 1b – will be made based on the use of the vaccine, the number of appointments scheduled and other information on vaccine delivery.
“We have a moral and ethical duty to first vaccinate Southern Carolinians who are most at risk of dying from the virus,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “Right now, placing a young man among an elderly citizen and what could be his chance to save his life would be unfair and irresponsible. Today’s action will save lives and allow our teachers to be vaccinated afterwards ”.
“As we evaluate supply versus demand and as the rate of vaccines arriving in the state increases, we believe that it is appropriate to start scheduling appointments for more Southern Carolinians.” said DHEC Acting Director Marshall Taylor. “Although every South Carolina has a chance to receive the vaccine, it is important to understand that vaccine availability is limited in South Carolina, as in all states. To better protect the safety and health of all South Carolina residents, we must ensure that those most at risk of serious illness and death are vaccinated first. “
81.7 percent of COVID-19 deaths in South Carolina occurred among people aged 65 and over. The average age for COVID-19-related deaths in South Carolina is 75. There are approximately 309,000 inhabitants of South Carolina between the ages of 65 and 69. 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, February 8, 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 1-866-365-8110 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 two meters away from others, avoid crowds and get tested frequently.
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