COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Oct. 29
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 700 new COVID-19 cases reported in SC
At least 719,120 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 11,851 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday reported 706 new COVID-19 cases and 32 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 278 probable cases and 14 probable deaths, data shows.
At least 695 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Friday, including 196 patients who were being treated in intensive care units and 125 who were on ventilators. Roughly 7% of hospitalizations across the state are COVID-19-related, data shows.
As of Friday, 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.
Nearly 55% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and over 62% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
4th COVID-19 shot available for immunocompromised people. What to know
Those with compromised immune systems who are at increased risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19 are now eligible to receive a fourth dose of the vaccine, McClatchy News reported, citing updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The fourth “booster” stands to offer extra protection to people with weakened immune systems, who may not have developed as robust of an antibody response to the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
Adults who are “moderately to severely immunocompromised” and who got either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines can get a fourth dose at least six months after receiving their third dose, the CDC said. Those who rolled up their sleeves for the J&J vaccine can get a single booster shot of the J&J, Pfizer or Moderna vaccines at least two months after the first dose.
Read the full story here.
SC college has 100% of athletes, coaches vaccinated against COVID-19
A historically Black college in South Carolina is being praised by state health officials after 100% of its athletes, trainers and coaching staff received the COVID-19 vaccine.
The state Department of Health and Environmental Control awarded Benedict College with the Community Hero Award, which celebrates groups that “have taken the initiative to be community leaders during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” The State reported, citing DHEC.
“That is a tremendous feat, and we applaud the outstanding effort that Benedict, President (Roslyn Clark) Artis and the college’s leadership have made to not only keep athletes and students safe, but to also help promote disease prevention, testing and vaccination throughout their community,” state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell said.
Artis said the college was “deeply honored” to be recognized for the efforts to combat the pandemic.
FDA panel votes to support COVID-19 shots for kids ages 5-11
Children ages 5-11 could soon be eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine after a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory committee voted in favor of authorizing the shots for younger ages, McClatchy News reported.
The decision came Oct. 26 and was based on recent data showing that the shots are effective at boosting kids’ immune response to the virus.
Once fully authorized, children will receive two smaller doses of the vaccine — about a third of the amount given to teens and adults. The two-shot series will be administered three weeks apart.
Read the full story here.
This story was originally published October 29, 2021 at 7:16 AM.
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