- Charlotte D.
- Thursday, September 29, 2022
Here is the latest information on COVID-19 vaccinations in South Carolina.
Updated September 29, 2022, at 3:00 PM
Who can get the vaccine?
In South Carolina, COVID-19 vaccinations are underway for all residents ages 6 months and older.
People ages 16 and 17 do not need parental consent to receive the vaccine; those 15 and under must have parental consent.
For more information about who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations, visit DHEC’s website at https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine or call the DHEC Care Line at 866-365-8110.
What vaccines are being offered?
The four types of COVID-19 vaccinations currently authorized for distribution in the United States are produced by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Novavax, and Johnson & Johnson/Janssen.
- The Pfizer-BioNTech (brand name: Comirnaty) vaccine consists of two injections (for ages 5 and older) or three injections (for ages 6 months to 4 years). It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021. It is approved for people ages 6 months and older.
- The Moderna (brand name: Spikevax) vaccine consists of two injections that are given 28 days apart. It was approved by the FDA in 2022. It is approved for people ages 6 months to 5 years and ages 18 and older.
- The Novavax vaccine consists of two injections that are given 3-8 weeks apart and has been authorized for emergency use since 2022. It is approved for ages 12 and older.
- The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine consists of one injection and has been authorized for emergency use since 2021.
Research continues to be conducted regarding emerging strains of the virus, but according to DHEC and the CDC, all four vaccines provide protection against severe cases of COVID-19.
For more information about current COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC’s website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines.html
For more information about the recommended booster injections, visit the CDC's website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html
How do I get the vaccine?
DHEC is constantly updating the vaccine provider database for our area. To find a COVID-19 vaccination location near you in South Carolina, visit https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/ or call DHEC’s Care Line at 855-472-3432 (855-4-SCDHEC).
Contact information is listed below for some of the major vaccine providers serving Richland County and the Midlands. Most pharmacies in the area are also providing COVID-19 vaccines.
PRISMA Health
Phone: 833-277-4762 (833-2-PRISMA)
Website: https://prismahealth.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine
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Lexington Medical Center
Phone: 803-739-3363
Website: https://www.lexmed.com/coronavirus/covid19-vaccine
Hours of Operation: Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Address: 139 Summer Place Dr., West Columbia, SC 29169
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COMET Central Transit Center
Phone: 844-579-1500
Hours of Operation: Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-5:30 p.m.
Website: https://www.cometcovidhelp.org/
Address: 1727 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201
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Nephron Pharmaceuticals
Phone: 800-443-4313
Website: https://nephronclinicallab.square.site/home-1
Address: 4500 12th St. Extension, West Columbia, SC 29172
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Wm. Jennings Bryan Dorn Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center (Columbia VA Health Care System)
Phone: 803-776-4000
Website: https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/programs/covid-19-vaccines/
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Richland County Health Department
Phone: 855-472-3432 (855-4-SCDHEC)
Website: https://cvas.dhec.sc.gov/health/covidvaccinescheduling
How can I get help with registration?
Richland Library:
Richland Library’s Social Work department is available to help area residents who are seeking assistance with COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
To make an appointment, click here
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CDC Help Desk:
For help with VAMS Portal, which is used by both Doctor’s Care and Lexington Medical Center for registration
Phone: 833-957-1100
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E-mail Registration Assistance:
To make an online reservation for the COVID-19 vaccine, you may need to have an email account. Even if you do not have a device of your own to access an email account, you can still sign up for a free one to use on any Web connected device. Here are some simple steps to follow to get your own email account.
How can I get to a vaccine site?
The Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority (The COMET) has launched their “Don’t Miss Your Shot” campaign to assist people in traveling to various COVID-19 vaccination sites across the Midlands.
The COMET has also partnered with Lyft and Uber for rides for vaccination appointments in Richland and Lexington Counties. Each individual is allowed up to four free rides (two roundtrips) with up to $15 off each ride to and from vaccination appointments, and this offer is for transportation Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
To receive a voucher to book trips through Uber, go to http://t.uber.com/dontmissyourshot
To receive a voucher to book trips through Lyft, enter the codes below in the Lyft app:
- First shot: Enter COMETVAX1
- Second shot: Enter COMETVAX2
For more information, visit https://www.cometcovidhelp.org or call the COMET at 803-255-7100 , COMET DART at 803-255-7123, or COMET V-Trip Mobility Program at 803-834-2382.
What COVID-19 resources are available though Richland Library?
Richland Library's staff have worked diligently to bring you information and resources though their blog posts and tele-town halls.
Tele-Town Hall with DHEC's Dr. Jane Kelly
Dr. Jane Kelly, the Assistant State Epidemiologist with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), recently sat down for a tele town hall with Richland County residents to answer questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines for the disease.
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#RelyonReal
#RelyonReal is a social media campaign with the purpose of spreading facts about the COVID-19 vaccine to combat any misleading myths or misinformation.
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A History of the COVID-19 Vaccines
Have questions about the vaccines? This resource review is a comprehensive starting point!
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While You're Waiting for the COVID-19 Vaccine:
While you are patiently waiting for your COVID-19 vaccination, keep safe, take care of yourself, and stay up-to-date with the latest guidance.
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A Personal Account of Getting the Vaccine
Hestitating about getting the COVID-19 vaccine for yourself? Read this personal story about one of our very own staff receiving her vaccine.
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How to Talk to Teens about COVID-19
Does your teen have questions about the pandemic? Not sure how to talk them about it? Our Teen Center has pulled their resources together for this post on how to discuss COVID-19 with your teen.
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With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) currently impacting the U.S., we've compiled a list of resources and information to help you and your family stay informed. For additional COVID-19 resources and information, click here.
For general COVID information via phone, call:
- DHEC Care Line (General COVID Information) 855-472-3432
- CDC Info (General COVID Information) 800-232-4636
- Richland County Health Department 855-472-3432