How to find out where and when the vaccine is available:

The VA: The vaccine is currently available for certain veterans through the VA, healthcare workers, first responders, long-term care resident or staff, and seniors over 70. Contact your regular doctor at the VA to see when you are eligible and how to schedule. You can also go to https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ for more information.

MUSC: Locations in Mt. Pleasant, Downtown, West Ashley, North Charleston, Summerville, Lancaster, Chester, Florence, Mullins and Columbia. Go to https://muschealth.org/vaccine-1a to schedule and for more information

SC Health Department: Go to https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccine/covid-19-vaccine-appointments or call 1-855-472-3432. Current vaccine information is available at scdhec.gov/vaxfacts.

The goal of getting the vaccine is to prevent severe illness from COVID19. Until about 70% of people are immune to the virus, we will still need to wear masks, wash our hands, and practice social distancing. You will be 95% protected from getting sick from COVID19 but continuing these precautions will reduce spread and help those who are still at risk for infection (children, those who cannot get vaccinated or haven’t been vaccinated yet).

The COVID-19 vaccine requires TWO doses given 19 to 23 days apart. Two separate appointments are required, one for each vaccine dose. Currently approved for adults over 18 years old. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or have severe allergic reactions should talk to their doctor for advice on getting the vaccine. It is not yet approved for children but there are trials that are working on making sure it is safe for children. It does not cause infertility and you cannot get coronavirus from the vaccine.

Information about the COVID19 vaccine from MUSC Black Faculty Group

The COVID-19 vaccine is needed in our communities. First, COVID-19 has caused more deaths in the United States (US) than in any other country. Second, COVID-19 infection rates are higher among Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos than among whites. Third, COVID-19 death rates among Blacks are doubled compared to the death rates among whites. Stressors such as lack of jobs, poor access to health care, and discrimination caused many Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos to be in poorer health than whites long before the pandemic. These long-term health conditions place Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos at greater risk of having more severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Given the terrible impact of COVID-19 in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities across the US, we support the use of the vaccine. The stakes are high. If we do not get the vaccine, we will continue to die in large numbers from this deadly disease. Those of us who are dying are a great loss to our families, communities, and to the US. Therefore, we urge Blacks and Hispanics/Latinos to take the vaccine.

1. People of color are at higher risk of getting COVID-19, going to the hospital, and dying from COVID-19.
2. In clinical trials with thousands of people of color, COVID-19 vaccines reduced the risk of getting COVID-19 and reduced getting a severe case of it.
3. The vaccines have been scientifically proven to be up to 95% effective against the virus.
4. COVID-19 vaccines are safe for people of color. More than 10,000 people of color have received the vaccines.
5. Many measures are in place to make sure the COVID-19 vaccines continue to be safe for people of color.
6. Doctors and nurses of color at MUSC Health and across the U.S. believe that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective.
7. You cannot get COVID-19 from the COVID-19 vaccines.
8. Side effects can occur after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. These side effects are often mild. They often go away in a few days.
9. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will help you to protect yourself, your family, and your community from the harmful effects of COVID-19.
10. MUSC Health and other health systems across the country have pledged to give out the COVID-19 vaccine fairly and equitably.

Have additional questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine? Visit:

South Carolina DHEC: https://scdhec.gov/covid19/covid-19-vaccination/covid-19-vaccine-faqs

MUSC Health: https://muschealth.org/patients-visitors/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine

U.S. Food & Drug Administration: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/covid-19-vaccines

National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/promising-interim-results-clinical-trial-nih-moderna-covid-19-vaccine