The COVID vaccine will be available to more people beginning next week.

On Monday, Feb. 8, any state resident age 65 or older will be eligible for the vaccine, Gov. Henry McMaster and the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control announced in a release Wednesday. Regardless your health or existing conditions, you can schedule a covid vaccination appointment. (Lexington Medical Center photo)

Go to: scdhec.gov/vaxlocator for locations and information for appointments.

Access to vaccine for teachers and others in Phase 1b will be made based on vaccine supplies and, number of appointments made.

With increased vaccine allocations from the federal government and a streamlined, statewide vaccination plan, it is now appropriate to expand the number of South Carolinians eligible to receive vaccine. However, supply of the vaccine remains limited for the time being.

Additional steps to expedite access to additional South Carolinians – including teachers and others in Phase 1b – will be made based on the use of the vaccine, the number of appointments made, and other information on vaccine supply.

“We have a moral and ethical duty to first vaccinate the South Carolinians who are at the highest risk of dying from the virus,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “At this time, placing a younger person between a senior citizen and what could be their lifesaving shot would be unconscionable and irresponsible. Today’s action will save lives and allow our teachers to be vaccinated next.”

Almost 82 percent of SC covid deaths have been of those age 65 or older.
About 309,000 South Carolinians are 65 to 69.

As of Tuesday, DHEC had received 777,250 vaccine doses and 439,888 had been administered.

There are 382,695 pending appointments in the state.
There are 458 DHEC vaccination sites, in all 46 SC counties.

To get an appointment you need to show a driver’s license or other ID to confirm age and eligibility.