COVID vaccine live updates: Here’s what to know in South Carolina on Nov. 19
We’re tracking the most up-to-date information about the coronavirus and vaccines in South Carolina. Check back for updates.
More than 600 new COVID-19 new cases reported in SC
At least 729,822 people have tested positive for the coronavirus and 12,194 have died in South Carolina since March 2020, according to state health officials.
The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control on Friday, Nov. 19, reported 629 new COVID-19 cases and 15 coronavirus-related deaths. There were also 308 probable cases and three probable deaths, data show.
At least 448 people in the state were reported hospitalized with COVID-19 as of Nov. 19, including 129 patients who were being treated in intensive care units and 67 who were on ventilators. Nearly 5% of hospitalizations across the state are COVID-19-related, data shows.
As of Nov. 19, 3.3% 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 50% of South Carolinians eligible to receive a coronavirus vaccine are fully vaccinated, and 57% have received at least one dose, according to health officials.
FDA authorizes Pfizer, Moderna boosters for all adults. Here’s what to know
The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots have been authorized for all U.S adults aged 18 and older, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Friday, Nov. 19.
The amended emergency use authorizations for both shots is to ensure “continued protection” against COVID-19, as immunity to the virus may lessen over time, McClatchy News reported, citing a news release. Adults will soon be able to roll up their sleeves for the booster if it’s been at least six months since their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are eligible for the booster at least two months after the initial shot.
“The FDA has determined that the currently available data support expanding the eligibility of a single booster dose of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 18 years of age and older,” Dr. Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in a statement.
“Streamlining the eligibility criteria and making booster doses available to all individuals 18 years of age and older will also help to eliminate confusion about who may receive a booster dose and ensure booster doses are available to all who may need one,” Marks continued.
Read the full story here.
Get the COVID-19 shot and receive a cash prize in Richland County
Richland County residents who haven’t rolled up their sleeves for the COVID-19 vaccine will have a chance to do so at an upcoming vaccine drive — and walk away with a few perks.
Attendees will receive free food and a chance at winning a $100 gift card in exchange for getting the jab, according to The State. The vaccine drive is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the the Lower Richland sheriff’s substation, the newspaper reported.
Prisma Health will be administering the Pfizer vaccine to adults and children ages 5 and older. The shots are free, and no appointment is required.
Learn more about the vaccine drive here.
Hilton Head student wins free tuition at Clemson after getting COVID-19 vaccine
A Hilton Head student will get two semesters of free tuition at Clemson University thanks to an incentive program aimed at getting people vaccinated against COVID-19, The Island Packet reported.
Maddie Frank, a sophomore biochemistry major, was awarded the randomized prize after she provided proof of vaccination to the university. Frank said she was “extremely caught off guard” when Chris Miller, vice president for student affairs at Clemson, called her with the good news last month.
“I didn’t understand why he was calling at first,” Frank said in a news release, The Island Packet reported. “When I figured it out, I was ecstatic. It was a great way to start my morning.”
Several other prizes were offered to students and staff who uploaded proof of vaccination including Barnes and Noble gift cards, new iPads and two semesters of unlimited meal plans.
This story was originally published November 19, 2021 at 7:10 AM.
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