COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on May 17
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Nearly 35% of South Carolinians fully vaccinated
At least 489,047 people have tested positive for the coronavirus in South Carolina and 8,500 have died since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control reported 229 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, down from 261 reported the day before.
One coronavirus-related death was also reported.
At least 310 people were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 on Monday. Ninety were in intensive care units.
As of Monday, 3.5% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. Health officials say 5% or lower indicates a low risk of community spread.
More than 1.48 million South Carolina residents, or 34.7%, have completed vaccination against COVID-19, and more than 1.8 million, or 42.4%, have received at least one dose as of Saturday.
Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine? SC health officials have answers
South Carolina residents with unanswered questions about the coronavirus vaccine can ask public health professionals and medical experts about the shot at a virtual forum later this week, according to The State.
Leaders will take questions from the public during the live event set to air statewide Thursday on SCETV starting at 7 p.m.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control partnered with the state’s public broadcasting channel to host the televised program.
“We recognize that South Carolinians have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines,” DHEC Director Edward Simmer said in a statement. “We also know that there is a lot of misinformation and mistrust when it comes to vaccines in general. “These conversations give our community leaders and residents the chance to have an open discussion about their concerns.”
To learn more about the event, read the full story here.
SC doctors offer tips on kids and the COVID-19 vaccine
South Carolinians 12 and older are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and doctors are encouraging parents to talk with their kids about the shot, The Sun News reported.
Last week, federal officials approved the vaccine for use in children 12 to 15. South Carolina doctors offered their tips on how to discuss the vaccine with children and explain why it’s important.
“By taking a vaccine, that little shot, that little needle in the skin, that child might be helping to get us out of this pandemic,” Dr. Paul Richardson, chief medical officer at Conway Medical Center. “They’ll remember this forever ... They’ve lived this, the last year and let’s be honest, it wasn’t all that much fun.”
Other tips include discussing potential side effects and plans for the summer camp season ahead.
Indicators of COVID-19 spread decrease
The major indicators of COVID-19 spread decreased in South Carolina last week compared to the week before.
The state reported 3,162 new coronavirus cases and 57 deaths between May 9 and 15 — down from 4,324 cases and 84 deaths reported the week before.
South Carolina averaged 452 new cases a day last week.
An average of 4.2% of tests were reported positive last week, according to DHEC, down from 4.5% the prior week.
Nearly 80,000 more people received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine last week.
This story was originally published May 17, 2021 at 7:17 AM.
