By HEATHER WALTERS
All South Carolina residents over the age of 16 can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the Palmetto State’s master vaccine distribution plan is in its final stage, allowing all state residents over the age of 16 to become vaccinated. This began on March 31st.
In Colleton County, the following sites are offering vaccination clinics:
Fetter Vaccination Clinic on April 6th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic is located at Jane Edwards Elementary School at 1960 Jane Edwards Road on Edisto Island;
Walgreens is providing vaccines through online registration. Walgreens is located at 1326 N. Jefferies Blvd. in Walterboro;
Walterboro Family Care is providing vaccines to those who call their office at 843-781-7428. They are located at 457 Spruce St. in Walterboro.
Colleton residents can continue to track vaccination sites and local updates by going to https://www.scdhec.org/vaxlocator
Colleton County COVID-19 Updates
According to information provided by Megan Utsey with the Colleton County Administration Office, Colleton officials have been notified of 2,553 total cases of COVID-19 in Colleton County. Of these, 58 are current cases.
There have been 104 deaths related to COVID-19 in Colleton County since the pandemic began.
“As the supply of vaccines continues to increase, we encourage all Colleton citizens to follow the CDC and SCDHEC recommendations. Don’t wait, vaccinate! Both the CDC and the FDA concur that all three vaccines currently available are safe and effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19,” said Colleton County Fire-Rescue Chief Barry McRoy. “While the number of cases has declined nationally, statewide and in our county, it is important to remember that according to the CDC, COVID-19 was the third-leading cause of death in the United States in 2020 behind only heart disease and cancer. Getting vaccinated cannot only protect you, but may also protect people around you, particularly those with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Remember, don’t wait, vaccinate,” McRoy said.
Colleton residents are also urged to continue to follow state regulations, as ordered by the S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster. These include practicing social distancing and wearing a mask in public.
