COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 20
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
Over 500 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC
At least 713,101 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 11,569 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Wednesday reported 569 new COVID-19 cases and 38 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 254 probable cases and 12 probable deaths, data shows.
At least 933 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Wednesday, including 286 patients who were being treated in intensive care units and 187 who were on ventilators. Just over 10% of hospitalizations across the state are COVID-19-related, data shows.
As of Wednesday, 7.5% of COVID-19 tests were reported positive. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has said 5% or lower means there is a low level of community spread.
Roughly 54% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and nearly 62% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
COVID-19 vaccines for young kids could be approved soon. How will shots be distributed?
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention weighs whether to authorize Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, the White House is planning how the shots will be disbursed.
The White House on Wednesday released vaccine distribution plans for the new age range, saying it has secured enough doses to inoculate the nation’s 28 million children, The State reported, citing a news release. The vaccine will be about one-third of the dose given to people 12 and older, who are already eligible to be vaccinated.
The shots will be packaged in smaller configurations, officials said, and be made available to thousands of primary care doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and community-based health centers across the U.S.
Booster shots, third dose of COVID-19 shot available in SC. What to know
As South Carolina residents prepare to roll up their sleeves for booster shots or a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, many still have questions about the process.
For one, residents should know there’s an important difference between a booster and a third dose, doctors told the Sun News. Questions about side effects and whether it’s best to mix or match booster shots with the original vaccine brand have also come up.
The Sun News consulted with several doctors to answer commons questions about getting an extra COVID-19 shot.
To learn more, read the full story here.
Richland County offers $100 incentive to get more people vaccinated
Some Richland County residents who get the COVID-19 vaccine will walk away with an extra $100 in their pocket.
In their latest effort to boost vaccination numbers in the region, county officials are giving away $100 gift cards to the first 250 people who show up to get the shot at a vaccine drive scheduled for the end of the month, The State reported.
“Through this incentive program, County Council hopes to encourage residents to get the vaccine in order to raise the vaccination rate in Richland County,” Councilwoman Yvonne McBride said in a news release. “Residents can stop in at their convenience and do their part to improve the health of our community.”
The vaccine clinic will take place Oct. 30 from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at The Meeting Place Church of Greater Columbia.
The Pfizer vaccine will be administered by employees with the Medical University of South Carolina.
This story was originally published October 20, 2021 at 7:03 AM.
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