Know who and how to contact for information on COVID-19, vaccines

Prisma Health is opening certain sites, including one at its Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, to walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations for those eligible in phase 1a, including individuals 70 and older.

While Prisma Health, the state's largest vaccinator as of Wednesday with 87,137 vaccinations, sites are taking walk-ins on a limited basis, the number of available slots will likely change every day based on vaccine availability at the time. Community members are urged to check online at www.PrismaHealth.org/vaccine and click "Find a Vaccination Site" or, if they don't have internet or computer access, to call 833-2PRISMA (833-277-4762).

Prisma Health will calculate its vaccine availability for walk-ins several times during the day based on those scheduled and arrived appointments. The website mentioned above will update in real time, with those sites still open for walk-ins listed in green. Sites that no longer have walk-in availability for that day are marked in red.

"We reopened the walk-in process to help those in our communities who do not have easy access to online scheduling. We stand by our communities and will do everything we can, as quickly and as efficiently as we can, to get shots in arms for those who are eligible for vaccines at this stage. Please know that we are working very hard on all the details in an environment that is changing rapidly. We are asking the public for their patience," said a news release.

Another area location run by Prisma Health is at Gamecock Park, 22 National Guard Road, in Columbia.

The Tuomey location is at 19 W. Calhoun St. across from the hospital's day surgery center. As of Thursday night, it was accepting limited walk-ins for first doses. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-6:15 p.m.

Check their website daily: www.PrismaHealth.org/vaccine. Click on "Find a Vaccination Site."

SCHEDULE A VACCINE APPOINTMENT

- To look at an interactive map of locations offering COVID-19 vaccine, go to https://bit.ly/3pjzhz0.

The map is subject to change daily.

- DHEC's new COVID-19 vaccine information line, 1-866-365-8110, answers questions about COVID-19 vaccines, helps callers find vaccine providers and provides contact information.

For general information on COVID-19 testing, or scheduling an appointment at a DHEC health department for SC STRONG, family planning, well-child checkups, WIC services, HIV/STD screening and other health department services, call 1-855-472-3432.

Both DHEC lines are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. seven days a week.

- Schedule an appointment with Prisma Health: www.prismahealth.org/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine. If you do not have an email or and computer access, call 833-2PRISMA.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Currently, phase 1a includes frontline health care workers, individuals 70 or older, long-term care facility residents and staff, admitted hospital patients who are 65 or older, employees who are administering COVID-19 testing and vaccines and mission-critical state/government employees.

For a detailed list, go to www.scdhec.gov/vaxfacts.