SC health leaders give update on vaccine rollout

South Carolina health leaders say Phase 1a of the vaccine rollout could start in the middle or end of March.

An exact date has not yet been determined, however. 

The event is scheduled to start at 1:45 p.m. and you'll be able to see it in the video player attached to this article.

As of Wednesday, a total of 868,819 vaccine doses have been administered in South Carolina. Of those, 619,884 were first doses, while 248,924 have gotten both doses. Two doses are required to be considered full vaccinated.

However, earlier in the day, an FDA report said the new Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose, is safe. That vaccine must still go before an FDA advisory board this Friday, and then finally to the FDA itself for emergency use authorization.

RELATED: FDA staff releases review of Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID vaccine

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, however, is 66 percent effective at one dose, according to clinical trials. There's another trial underway to determine if a second doses would boost that number. 

RELATED: NIH to study 'long-haul' coronavirus symptoms, and their effects

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which are currently the only ones available in the US, have effective rates of about 94 percent. But those require two doses.

DHEC has set up a vaccine locator in South Carolina. That information is below.

• 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.