Updates from health officials in the Augusta area and in South Carolina say 12- to 15-year-olds are rolling up their sleeves.
Dr. Linda Bell, epidemiologist for the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, said 9,226 in the younger age group have received their first shot of the Pfizer vaccine. Of that total, 8,949 are residents of the Palmetto State.
MORE: CDC Green Lights COVID-19 Vaccinations for Younger Children
She added, “This is really a step in the right direction as we continue working to get as many South Carolinians vaccinated as possible.”
In the Augusta area, Augusta University Medical Center is vaccinating the younger children with the Pfizer vaccine. Those started early this week. So far, 125 have received their first shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the recommendation for the 12- to 15-year-old children on May 12.
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The following day, the CDC issued new guidelines for mask-wearing. Fully-vaccinated adults no longer need to wear masks indoors or outdoors, in any setting — large or small.
Adults who are not fully vaccinated should still wear a mask and continue social distancing.
Local hospitals have updated visitation policies for patients.
AU is allowing two visitors per patient and they can change out with other people who want to visit a patient. At the Children’s Hospital of Georgia, two people can visit at pediatric bedsides. They can change out with two additional support people, like grandparents.
University Hospital’s guidelines are posted on its website: www.universityhealth.org/patient-visitor-information/for-visitors/visiting-hours
Doctors Hospital issued new guidelines earlier this month. Families and other partners can visit from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and must be 18 years or older. Visitors should be limited to two at a time for each patient.
Medical leaders in both states continue to urge anyone not yet vaccinated to make an appointment or find a walk-in location.
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DHEC’S Dr. Bell said, “This pandemic is far from over despite our encouraging trends, so we need everyone to get onboard so we can keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”
AU has four upcoming clinics, May 25, 26 and 27 at the Washington Road location and June 1 at Diamond Lakes Regional Park in Hephzibah. You can register at: https://www.augustahealth.org/vaccine/
MORE: Latest COVID-19 Updates in South Carolina and Georgia
The Aiken VA Outpatient Clinic will host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic on May 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. It will be at 951 Millbrook Ave. in Aiken. The shots will be the J&J vaccine, so only one shot is needed. Veterans and caregivers and spouses of veterans can make an appointment by calling the Augusta VA Healthcare System vaccination appointment line at 706-733-0188, extensions 3634, 3632, 3265, or 3613.
Clinic sites in South Carolina can be found on DHEC’s website: https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/ There is also a community vaccination clinic at the Colonial Place Mall. It is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com.
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