Abbeville Area Medical Center will be announcing later this week how those age 70 and over can make an appointment to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
The hospital currently orders and receives the Pfizer vaccine from SC DHEC weekly. AAMC has been requesting enough vaccine to vaccinate those included in the current 1A phase, which does not meet the minimum 925 dose order to receive the frozen vaccine. Unfrozen, the vaccine is only viable for five days.
AAMC does, however, have the capacity to store the frozen vaccine and has requested a large quantity to meet the Governor’s mandate to begin providing vaccinations to those 70 and over as well as continue with the vaccination of those in the current 1A phase.
“We are committed to providing the vaccine to those who qualify at this time as quickly and efficiently as possible,” stated Cindy Buck, AAMC CEO. “Vaccine supplies are still limited and this process will take time so we ask for your patience.”
It is also important to note that the person receiving the vaccine must return to the same location to receive the second dose after 21 days. A follow-up appointment will be made at the time the first dose is administered. The second dose must also be the same brand as the first dose for the vaccine to be effective.
The hospital will make the announcement of when appointments will begin to be accepted on its Vaccination Update Page and Facebook page later this week along with what email and phone number to use.
It is important to continue following all safety measures, and we strongly encourage community members to continue wearing a mask, practicing physical distancing, frequently washing their hands and staying home when sick. These are proven ways to slow the spread and will be essential to ending the pandemic, even as we begin to vaccinate.
