Free vaccine clinic Friday, Wednesday in Sumter

The South Carolina Department of Education is hosting two free COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Sumter County this Friday and next week.

Residents can receive the vaccine at the first clinic on Jan. 21 at Sumter School District Office, 1345 Wilson Hall Road, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., or at the second clinic on Wednesday, Jan. 26, at the Sumter County Recreation Department, 155 Haynsworth St., from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Children 5-11 will be able to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and those 12 years and older can receive their first, second or booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Adults 18 years and older will be able to receive the Moderna or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and can also receive either their first, second or booster dose of the Moderna vaccine. Recipients will receive a gift card, while supplies last, and be entered to win prizes at the Jan. 26 clinic.

SCDOE partnered with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for the In It To Win It vaccination initiative to support local school districts, encourage vaccinations and provide information and resources to residents. According to DHEC, only 55.9% of eligible Sumter County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine compared to 61.7% in South Carolina and 76% nationally. As of Tuesday, Jan. 18, about 63% of the country's population had been fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.