As Thursday marks one year since the nationwide start of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, South Carolina has recently moved into Phase 1B of its COVID-19 vaccination effort.

Governor Henry McMaster and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control announced last Tuesday their plans to advance to the next phase in vaccinating South Carolinians. Vaccines will be made available to those 55 and over, people aged 16-54 with increased risk for contracting the virus, and frontline workers. The state hopes to advance to Phase 1C in early April.

Currently Walgreens is offering the vaccine to those 65 and older and healthcare workers. In addition to offering it to the elderly, they are also administering the vaccine to long term care facilities. CVS is administering the vaccine to long term care facilities as well. 

For both the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccinations, two doses are required in order for the vaccine to be effective. When receiving the first dose, a written reminder is given in order to remind the patient when they are eligible for the second dose. 

In an email sent out to Clemson students and staff at Clemson on March 2, it was reported that Phase 1B includes the vaccination of K-12 and higher education teachers, as well as all school support staff. While university employees can receive the vaccine, Clemson will not be operating as a vaccine distribution center at this time.