Those in Phase 1a asked to make appointments

South Carolina DHEC is telling hospitals they should vaccinate any state resident who qualifies under any category of Phase 1a, which encompasses healthcare workers.  Currently, almost 70 thousand healthcare workers across the state are scheduled to be vaccinated against COVID-19.  To speed the vaccinations, Phase 1a individuals or their employers should contact a provider to schedule an appointment by Friday, January 15 to ensure their priority.  As the vaccine supply increases, recommendations will expand to include more groups.  Phase 1a is expected to continue to next month; Phase 1b, for all people 75 and older, along with certain others, is to begin in late winter; Phase 1c, for those 65-74 and older, along with those 16-74 with underlying conditions, is scheduled for early spring; Phase 2, for all who wish to be vaccinated is planned for late spring to the fall.