2 million vaccine shots given

South Carolina marked 2 historical milestones last week.

• More than 2 million doses of vaccine have been given.

• Everyone 16 and older is now eligible to get shots.

As of April 1, 2,034,077 doses had been given statewide.

1,289,672 of us received our 1st dose.

DHEC did not report how many of those are in Lexington County. Such numbers could be misleading since many have gone to Columbia for shots.

Herd immunity can be achieved once 70% to 80% of us are vaccinated.

For the latest vaccine information, visit www.scdhec.gov/vaxfacts .

How to get vaccinated

Lexington Medical Center is now accepting walk-ins for covid-19 vaccinations.

Vaccinations are given without appointments in the hospital auditorium and at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia.

Hundreds of spots are available this week.

To date, Lexington Medical Center has agiven more than 60,000 doses.

Hospital officials are thankful for support as it works to keep our community healthy and safe.

If you are age 16 and older you are now eligible to receive the vaccine.

The clinics are open 7 am – 5 pm inside the hospital auditorium, 2728 Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia and at Brookland Baptist Church at 1066 Sunset Boulevard in West Columbia.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is available at both locations.

If you are under age 18 you can only receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

Parental consent is not required.

It’s never too late for the shot

West Columbia’s Brookland Baptist Church has celebrated a special vaccination.

103-year-old West Columbia resident Inez Smith received her shot.

Her caretaker Jeanette Cokley told WIS-TV that she felt like Brookland Baptist rolled out the red carpet for them and made it extremely easy for the 103-year-old.

She said Inez had battled covid-19 in July, and she’s been waiting for clearance from her doctors before getting the vaccine.

Rev. Charles Jackson. Jr. gave Smith a bouquet of roses to celebrate.

Rev. Jackson said the church’s goal is to increase access and trust in the vaccine.

Brookland Baptist has partnered with Lexington Medical Center to provide vaccinations.

The church vaccinates around 800 people a day, he said.

Our state’s economy surviving covid-19

South Carolina’s economy is in the top half of states least crippled by covid-19.

The latest research shows North Carolina is, too.

Louisiana is the hardest hit and Washington state the least, according to WalletHub research.

Many states still restrict businesses although the country is gradually reopening as vaccinations increase.

The federal government has helped with business loans, stimulus checks and increased unemployment benefits.

Critics argue that this has caused trillions of dollars of debt that will have to be repaid with higher taxes and by future generations.

Business owners say unemployment benefits of up to $900 a week have discouraged workers from returning.

This has made it more difficult for them to reopen their businesses and serve their customers.

Find the full study at https://wallethub.com/edu/state-economies-most-exposed-to-coronavirus/72631