Discover a location accepting vaccine appointments close to you at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 3, 2021
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Division of Well being and Environmental Management (DHEC) in the present day introduced that starting Monday, February 8, any South Carolina resident aged 65 or older, no matter well being standing or preexisting situations, can start scheduling their appointment to obtain COVID-19 vaccine. DHEC’s on-line instrument at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator reveals places presently accepting appointments for COVID-19 vaccine and supplies contact data for scheduling appointments at these places.
With elevated vaccine allocations from the federal authorities and a streamlined, statewide vaccination plan, it’s now acceptable to broaden the variety of South Carolinians eligible to obtain vaccine. Nevertheless, provide of the vaccine stays restricted in the meanwhile.
Extra steps to expedite entry to extra South Carolinians – together with academics and others in Section 1b – shall be made primarily based on the usage of the vaccine, the variety of appointments made, and different data on vaccine provide.
“We now have a ethical and moral responsibility to first vaccinate the South Carolinians who’re on the highest threat of dying from the virus,” mentioned Gov. Henry McMaster. “At the moment, inserting a youthful particular person between a senior citizen and what might be their lifesaving shot can be unconscionable and irresponsible. In the present day’s motion will save lives and permit our academics to be vaccinated subsequent.”
“As we consider provide versus demand and because the fee of vaccines coming into the state will increase, we consider it’s acceptable to start scheduling appointments for added South Carolinians,” mentioned DHEC Performing Director Marshall Taylor. “Whereas each South Carolinian can have an opportunity to get the vaccine, it is essential to know the provision of vaccine is restricted in South Carolina, like in all states. To finest defend the security and well being of all South Carolinians we should make sure that these at highest threat of extreme sickness and dying get vaccinated first.”
81.7 % of COVID-19 deaths in South Carolina have been amongst these 65 and older. The typical age for COVID-19 associated deaths in South Carolina is 75. There are roughly 309,000 South Carolinians between the ages of 65 and 69. Up to now, South Carolina has acquired 777,250 vaccine and has given 439,888 photographs. As well as, 382,695 South Carolinians have scheduled vaccine appointments.
In South Carolina there are presently 458 activated COVID-19 vaccine websites, lots of that are presently accepting appointments, with the others set to start accepting appointments quickly.
What to know:
- Starting Monday, February 8, any South Carolina resident who’s at the least 65 years previous can schedule their appointment to obtain COVID-19 vaccine.
- The danger for extreme sickness from COVID-19 will increase with age, with older adults on the highest threat.
- Residents shall be requested to supply a driver’s license or different type of ID at their appointment that confirms their age and, due to this fact, their eligibility to obtain vaccine.
- South Carolinians eligible to obtain vaccine can schedule an appointment at a location accepting COVID-19 vaccine appointments. The scdhec.gov/vaxlocator can be utilized to seek out these places and get contact data for scheduling appointments at these places. Folks can even name DHEC’s COVID-19 Vaccine Info Line at 1-866-365-8110 for assist discovering vaccine suppliers and their contact data to schedule an appointment.
- COVID-19 remains to be at excessive ranges in South Carolina. Put on a face masks, keep six ft away from others, keep away from crowds, and get examined typically.
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