Prisma Health Upstate and AnMed receive vaccine doses

Prisma Health Upstate (which includes Oconee Memorial Hospital) and AnMed Health Center are  among 16 South Carolina health care facilities that have received 97,500 doses of the Pfizer vaccine.  Today’s DHEC announcement states that its distribution center has received 14,625 doses and distributed 5,555 to health care facilities without the ultra-cold storage required for storing Pfizer vaccine.  By last night, Prisma Health Upstate had received 13,500 doses and had administered 5,159, or 38%.  AnMed had received 3,000 doses, had administered 1,313, or 34%. The announcement comes amid reports nationally that the roll out is proceeding slower than hoped and anticipated and that there is worry that, unless distribution is speeded, some of the doses may expire.  DHEC is now allowing vaccination providers to administer doses to non-affiliated Phase 1a healthcare workers, if they have the ability to do so based on clarified guidance, available vaccine, and appropriate staffing.  It’s the discretion of each hospital and vaccination provider as to which non-affiliated Phase 1a individuals they offer to vaccinate, and in what order.