At least 79% of SC residents who died from COVID in July weren’t vaccinated, DHEC says

At least 79% of South Carolina’s COVID-19 deaths in July were among people who have not been fully vaccinated, according to a new analysis from the state’s Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The agency also reported 160 deaths during the first two weeks of August, making up the state’s highest death toll for back-to-back combined weeks since March.

South Carolina is currently seeing its most COVID-19 cases since around the height of the pandemic in January, while having one of the worst vaccination rates around the country at 45.5%.

“Obviously, we are seeing an increase in breakthrough cases, hospitalizations, and deaths for the month of July,” DHEC Public Health Director Brannon Traxler said in a news release. “The rise of highly transmissible variants like Delta and lagging vaccination rates have led to increases in these categories overall, including breakthrough cases. But it is important to note that cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among fully vaccinated residents are still rare.”

Last month, the agency reported similar findings, determining that 90% of those who died or caught the virus weren’t fully vaccinated.

From July 1 through 31, DHEC reported 26,848 new coronavirus cases around the state. Of the 14,262 cases where vaccine status was determined, 12,491 — or 88% — were among people who were not to be fully vaccinated. Of the 550 hospitalizations, 424 people — or 77% — weren’t fully vaccinated either.

Among the 110 COVID-related deaths reported in July, 87 of them — or 79% — were not fully vaccinated. The numbers of unvaccinated deaths could be higher, but may not have been reported in the data.

“Data still shows that vaccinations can end this pandemic if enough people are willing to roll up their sleeves,” Traxler said. “We are at the most crucial point yet in our fight against COVID-19.”

While vaccines can’t fully prevent someone from being infected or spreading the virus, DHEC says the goal of the vaccine is to prevent the severe symptoms the coronavirus can cause if contracted.

The rise in cases and deaths comes at an alarming time as thousands of children go back to school this week around the state. Health officials have recommended people wear masks and get their COVID-19 vaccination if eligible. Anyone age 12 and up can get one.

Note: This story has been updated to report the correct percentage of COVID-19 deaths among people who were not fully vaccinated. The correct number in 79%.

This story was originally published August 17, 2021 at 8:59 AM.

Andrew Caplan

The State

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Andrew Caplan is a watchdog journalist who hails from Florida. He comes to The State Media Company after winning several statewide awards for investigations on elected officials and government entities. He holds a master’s degree from the University of South Florida.