Special exception allows for Phase 1b appointments at mass vaccination clinic in Darlington

People cannot officially make vaccine appointments for Phase 1b until Monday, but McLeod Health received a special exemption to race to the phase that will open eligibility to most in South Carolina on Friday.

The health system that runs the hospital in Manning will hold a mass vaccination clinic at the Darlington Raceway, 1301 Harry Byrd Highway, Darlington, SC 29532, on March 5. Anyone included in Phase 1b, which is teachers, frontline essential workers, people with underlying medical conditions, anyone aged 55 or older and others, can make an appointment by calling 1-866-365-8110 or finding the location at https://vaxlocator.dhec.sc.gov/.

On Tuesday, Gov. Henry McMaster announced the state will move to Phase 1b for COVID-19 vaccine distribution as of Monday, opening appointments to an additional 2.7 million South Carolinians.

McLeod Health, in cooperation with Darlington Raceway and a large number of community partners, emergency management support, the state's public health agency and city officials in Darlington, is offering this drive-through event that is beneficial for those with mobility issues as attendees will not be required to exit their vehicles to receive the vaccine. Carpooling is also encouraged as long as seating for car window access is available to make it easier to receive the vaccine.

Clinic attendees will enter the racetrack at Gate 40 on S.C. Highway 151. The vaccine event will take patients through the infamous Racetrack "Tunnel" and onto the Racetrack Infield where they will receive their vaccine at the Racetrack Cup Garage.

McLeod Health has received a surplus of Moderna doses for this event. Moderna requires two doses spaced at least 28 days or four weeks apart. You must get both doses of the same brand of the vaccine. For those who receive their first dose at the Darlington Raceway event, they will be able to return for their "final lap" second dose on Thursday, April 1.

"We are honored to partner with McLeod Health in this tremendous community health outreach event," said Kerry Tharp, Darlington Raceway president. "Both our teams desire the same outcome - improved health and quality of life for all our people."