MURRELLS INLET, S.C. — To support the South Carolina pandemic effort, the National Guard has stepped in to administer COVID-19 vaccines at hospitals requiring extra support.
"Giving the vaccine to civilians is a big day," said Major General Brad Owens. "It's the first time in history."
The South Carolina National Guard vaccination program has answered calls from two hospitals already that have needed extra support. Friday, they vaccinated more than 300 people at the Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. On Thursday, they vaccinated more than 70 people at the Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital in Murrells Inlet.
"When we saw the numbers started going up after New Years' in the hospitals, we started getting resource requests from medical providers looking for additional bed space and other staff," Major General Owens. "Then, we had to make a quick shift."
The National Guard has been helping in various ways since the pandemic began such as helping administer coronavirus tests. The major general says the National Guard is currently shifting from those testing sites and moving towards more hospitals that need help.
"Once we met the need there as a bridge strategy, then we can shift again in amplifying in this vaccination process," said Major General Owens.