COLUMBIA, S.C. — Starting March 31, everyone in the state of South Carolina age 16 and up will be eligible for the the COVID-19 vaccine.
Because supply of the vaccine is still limited right now, appointments to get the vaccine are being made Again, to be clear, people must sign up first the vaccine: at present, there are no walk-in locations in the central South Carolina.
IMPORTANT: For most people, this is a two-dose vaccine series. So when you get the vaccine, make sure you have an appointment for the second dose before you leave the vaccination site. With the Pfizer vaccine, you have to wait 3 weeks for your second dose; with the Moderna vaccine, it's 4 weeks.
However, beginning in early March, the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine became available. Remember to check with the agency that you receive the vaccine from to be sure to let you know which type of vaccine you received.
For now, there several was ways you can sign up to get the vaccine:
- DHEC's online portal
- Prisma Health's website
- Publix's website
- Walgreens website
- Kroger website
- Doctor's Care website
- Walmart (Some sites listed on DHEC website)
We got into detail about all the current options below. State health officials say other options will be available in the coming weeks and months.
DHEC Vaccine Locator
- Find DHEC’s online map at scdhec.gov/vaxlocator. This online map shows the locations currently accepting appointments (many of the same ones listed below) for COVID-19 vaccine and the map will provide the contact information for scheduling appointments at those locations. The map itself is not a way to schedule an appointment.
- DHEC has a COVID-19 vaccine information line at 1-866-365-8110 The service is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week People who have questions about the COVID-19 vaccines or who need help finding vaccine providers and their contact information are asked to call the DHEC COVID-19 Vaccine Information Line.
- You can also schedule an appointment directly through DHEC's website at CVAS.DHEC.SC.GOV. Appointment availability through this scheduling tool is limited to start, but is expected to grow in the coming days.
- You will be asked to provide a driver’s license or other form of ID at your appointment that confirms your age in order to receive vaccine.
- South Carolina residency is not a requirement to receive a vaccine.
VIDEO: How to use DHEC's vaccination site
Prisma Health
To receive their vaccine, people can access Prisma sites by visiting www.PrismaHealth.org/Vaccine for the latest information about the vaccination process and how to request an appointment either online or by phone at 833-2PRISMA (833-277-4762.)
Prisma Health locations can be found in the DHEC vaccine locator above.
They've also opened a large-scale community vaccination site in Columbia near the South Carolina's Williams Brice Stadium at 22 National Guard Rd., Columbia, SC 29201, or Gamecock Park.
REGISTRATION INFO:
- Fill out their vaccine request form or call them at 833-2PRISMA (833-277-4762). Note that each person must have their own email. You can not register more than one person with the same email.
- You will receive an email from Marketing@PrismaHealth.org to confirm receipt of your online request form. This is not an appointment.
- You will receive an email from the CDC with a link to the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS). This link is unique to you and cannot be shared with anyone else.
- Click the link to the VAMS portal and create a username and password. Do not use Internet Explorer. Use Google Chrome, Safari or other web browser.
- Follow the instructions, which include completing a medical questionnaire and scheduling an appointment.
Prisma Health will calculate its vaccine availability for walk-ins several times during the day based on those scheduled and arrived appointments. The www.PrismaHealth.org/Vaccine website will update in real time, with those sites still open for walk-ins listed in green. Sites that no longer have walk-in availability for that day are marked in red.
All sites will administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. That requires a second dose three weeks later.
Lexington Medical Center
Lexington Medical Center allows people to register by first going to their website, which works with the CDC's scheduling system.
For questions regarding eligibility or assistance with scheduling call (803) 739-3363.
Doctor's Care
Some Doctor's Care locations throughout the region are now accepting appointments.
You can find the direct link to Doctor's Care's online registration here.
You can also see which locations are open on the DHEC vaccine locator or by calling DHEC at 1-866-365-8110
Walgreens
Walgreens is also scheduling vaccinations at some locations. Supply is limited. You can see a list of stores on DHEC's vaccine locator, as mentioned above, or you can go to the following website:
You can also see which locations are open on the DHEC vaccine locator or by calling DHEC at 1-866-365-8110
Publix
Note: Currently all Publix vaccine appointment times have been filled. The company says they will give an update when more vaccine is available.
Eligible customers can access COVID-19 vaccine appointment availability here: publix.com/covidvaccine
42 Publix pharmacies in the state will have vaccinations administered to eligible individuals, by appointment only, while supplies last, and at no cost to the individual. Customers with health insurance will need to bring their insurance card to their scheduled appointment. Medicare members should bring their red, white and blue Medicare Part B card. Customers without health insurance will need to provide their driver’s license or Social Security number.
Kroger
Kroger is scheduling vaccine appointments at some locations. Supply is limited.
Residents should use Kroger's vaccination website for South Carolina to locate pharmacies and schedule appointments. Appointments are subject to availability.
You can also see which locations are open on the DHEC vaccine locator or by calling DHEC at 1-866-365-8110 .
Walmart
Walmart has started vaccinations with appointments at some locations in South Carolina.
Here is the list of locations:
- ORANGEBURG
- GEORGETOWN
- FLORENCE
- EASLEY
- LAURENS
- WEST COLUMBIA
- SPARTANBURG
- FORT MILL
- NORTH CHARLESTON
- SUMMERVILLE
- BLUFFTON
- NORTH AUGUSTA
- SAM’S CLUB - GREENVILLE
- SAM’S CLUB - COLUMBIA
You can also find them on the DHEC vaccine locator or by calling DHEC at 1-866-365-8110 .