The demand to get vaccinated against COVID-19 has dropped in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina Department of Health and Environment Control Assistant State Epidemiologist Doctor Jane Kelly held a virtual news briefing Friday. She told reporters that almost 47% of South Carolinians have had at least one vaccine shot and 31% are fully vaccinated but demand continues to decline in some areas.
Doctor Kelly said the shelf life of the vaccine is limited and added, “We have had some vaccine lost because it expired.”
Initially, the Moderna vaccine had a one-month shelf live, even properly stored. Dr. Kelly said the company has been testing its supply and has found it remains viable for three months. Moderna has applied for an extension on how long a supply can be stored.
In the Augusta area, University Hospital spokesperson Rebecca Sylvester said they vaccinated just over 200 people at the clinic held Thursday at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Sylvester added, “Because of low interest, we only have one more community vaccination scheduled at this time.”
That clinic, offering free first or second dose vaccinations, will be May 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Augusta Technical College. The clinic is for Georgia residents age 18 and older.
You can register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/university-hospital-covid-vaccine-clinic-phase-georgia-18-tickets-152517539065
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
