SC kicks off first day of phase 1B in vaccination plan, as hospitals anticipate vaccinating thousands of teachers

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– South Carolina has entered phase 1B of the COVID-19 vaccine roll out. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control says this phase includes those 55 and older as well as people with certain high-risk medical conditions like cancer or diabetes, along with front line workers, including teachers.

Prisma Health says it received its first shipment of 600 Johnson & Johnson vaccines last week. According to officials, the hospital anticipates vaccinating more than 7,000 teachers in the coming weeks, including those in Sumter County Schools and Richland School District One. Richland One officials say its staff will be able to get vaccinated this Friday and Saturday either at Gamecock Park or Baptist Hospital. Staff can contact their district for more details.