COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina is ranked 10th in the nation for how quickly the state is administering the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new national report by Becker’s Hospital Review.
The national healthcare information forum released its “States ranked by percentage of COVID-19 vaccines administered,” and South Carolina ranked 10th for administering 61 percent of total doses of the vaccine received in the state.
“While South Carolina, like other states, currently faces limited supplies of vaccines, DHEC continues to work with the Governor, South Carolina Hospital Association, South Carolina Medical Association, hospitals and other key providers to help get shots into the arms of South Carolinians as quickly as possible,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC Interim Public Health Director. “Our ultimate goal is to save lives, and we thank the vaccine providers across our state for their work to get the COVID-19 vaccine out to the public as well as thanking South Carolinians for their desire to get vaccinated.”
Officials say the Becker’s report uses data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide a uniform comparison between states, and the data shows the rate at which doses are used, based on how many shots are administered out of doses received in the state.
CDC officials in January said South Carolina ranked among the lowest states for their distribution efforts and of shots given per 100,000 people, but officials found that reporting failed to include the more than 200,000 doses South Carolina had gathered to complete their statewide goal of vaccinating all residents and staff in long-term care facilities.
“We continue to make great progress in our vaccine rollout across South Carolina and the biggest challenge has been and continues to be the limited doses of vaccine available,” Traxler said. “All states are dealing with the challenges of ensuring every drop of vaccine is administered to those most vulnerable to COVID-19.”
Health officials ask South Carolinians to continue to wear masks, socially distance, and take other disease prevention precautions until there is enough vaccine available for everyone.
