Lee County COVID-19 Response Team holds vaccination clinics this month

With coronavirus cases surging across the state and country from the highly contagious omicron variant, the Lee County COVID-19 Response Team plans to hold several vaccination clinics this month to combat the spread of the virus.

These clinics are open to the public; it is preferred that participants make an appointment in advance. There will also be giveaway prizes through raffles to everyone who gets a vaccination shot.

The Rev. Willie Wilson, chairman of the Response Team, said these clinics will provide chances for people across the community to get vaccinated. The team was organized to increase the number of vaccinations against COVID-19.

These planned clinics are:

- Jan. 15 at 309 N. Main St. in Bishopville from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Jan. 21 at Lee Central High Middle School, 41 Charlene Lane, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Jan. 27 at Lee Central High School, 1800 Wisacky Highway, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

- Jan. 28 at Lynchburg Community Life Center, 67 Magnolia St. in Lynchburg, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Jan. 29, 309 N. Main St. in Bishopville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The team also reaches out to communities to educate them on the effects of the virus and encourage residents to take the vaccine.

Elouise Johnson, secretary of the Lee County COVID-19 Response Team, said there will also be a community meeting on Jan. 31 at the Parks and Recreation Center, 397 Chappell Drive.

The event is sponsored by the team, local public officials, community leaders and health care administrators who want to combat the massive strain on health care providers. The Pfizer vaccine will be offered and is free for everyone.

"Our job is to keep pushing by setting up clinics, to get the word out, to educate and to encourage everyone to take the shot, and to make it available and easily accessible," Johnson said.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and will have presenters from the county and state and health care workers and school administrators.