SC opens phase 1b of vaccine rollout; here’s a full list of who’s eligible
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - South Carolina officials announced the state will move to phase 1b of its vaccine distribution plan on Monday, March 8.
This will allow roughly 2.7 million people in the state to get the vaccine, officials said.
It includes teachers, essential workers, and everyone 55 and older. People at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease because of medical conditions, or living or work conditions, are also included. See a full list below and keep scrolling to learn how to make an appointment.
Gov. Henry McMaster, Department of Health and Environmental Control Director Dr. Edward Simmer and State Superintendent Molly Spearman made the announcement Tuesday morning at the State House.
People can show their eligibility to get the vaccine by presenting an ID with their age or workplace listed, or by verifying they have a high-risk medical condition (see what qualifies below), DHEC said.
Officials said vaccines will be given in “good faith” to those who claim they are qualified.
Here is the full breakdown of everyone in phase 1b, per DHEC:
- Anyone aged 55 and up
- People with increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease:
- Frontline workers with increased occupational risk:
Examples of frontline workers include, but are not limited to, school staff and day care workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, law enforcement officers, etc.
- Individuals at increased risk in settings where people are living and working in close contact:
- All workers in health care and community health settings who have routine, direct patient contact and were not vaccinated in Phase 1a
Those who are eligible under this phase may make appointments beginning March 8.
To find locations distributing the vaccine, click or tap here. That map links to providers’ websites where people can make appointments, or lists the provider’s phone number.
South Carolina currently has more than 500 vaccine providers, DHEC said.
Here are several phone numbers people can call to make appointments through different providers, as well:
- DHEC’s Vaccine Line: 866-365-8110
- Lexington Medical Center: 803-739-3363
- Nephron: 800-443-4313
Officials also estimated moving to phase 1c of the vaccine rollout on April 12. That phase will include everyone aged 45 and older, as well as more essential workers who don’t qualify under 1b.
Phase 2 will begin around May 3, DHEC estimated. That phase includes everyone 16 and older.
Of course, those timeframes may shift based on South Carolina’s vaccine supply.
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