SC health experts give update on vaccination effort, rollout

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina health leaders say they expect to get a larger shipment of the COVID-19 vaccines next week.

The agency said Friday they expect to get 57,330 Pfizer first doses and 48,300 Moderna, for a total of 105,630. That's about 8,000 more than this week. 

Over the next several weeks that number is expected to remain level, but DHEC say most weeks they've seen a slight increase from the federal government.  

At present, DHEC says a total of 915,751 people have been given doses of the vaccine. Of those, 619,884 have received one dose, while 248,924 have gotten two doses. 

Presently, the two vaccines on the market--one by Pfizer, the other by Moderna--require a two dose series to be considered fully vaccinated. 

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An FDA panel on Friday is evaluating a third vaccine created by Johnson & Johnson. This vaccine requires only one dose, although it's effectiveness is 66 percent, lower than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine's 94 percent. However, it has been shown to be nearly 90 percent effective at stopping serious complications including severe disease and death. 

RELATED: FDA panel to review Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID vaccine

Currently, only people over the age of 65 and healthcare workers can get the vaccine. However, DHEC's new director. Dr. Edward Simmer, said an expansion of those eligible to get the vaccine could start in mid to late March. 

DHEC has set up a website and a hotline to find vaccine locations.

• Find DHEC’s online map at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator. This online map shows the locations currently accepting appointments (many of the same ones listed below) for COVID-19 vaccine and the map will provide the contact information for scheduling appointments at those locations. The map itself is not a way to schedule an appointment.
• DHEC has a COVID-19 vaccine information line at 1-866-365-8110 The service is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week People who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or who need help finding vaccine providers and their contact information are asked to call the DHEC COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line.
• You can also schedule an appointment directly through DHEC's website at CVAS.DHEC.SC.GOV. Appointment availability through this scheduling tool is limited to start, but is expected to grow in the coming days.
• You will be asked to provide a driver’s license or other form of ID at your appointment that confirms your age in order to receive vaccine.
• South Carolina residency is not a requirement to receive a vaccine.