Ask your state senator to prioritize older South Carolinians in the COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Last Tuesday, the SC DHEC’s board voted to distribute the COVID vaccine by population numbers only. The alternative voted down was to provide earlier distribution of vaccines to areas with higher numbers of seniors and other vulnerable populations.

Nationally, 95% of all COVID deaths were folks 50 and older. DHEC’s vote could harm South Carolinians most at risk of harm or death from the virus, including older folks, people with disabilities and those living in poverty.

AARP is challenging this decision and we need your help! Rena, AARP is pushing for a change to House Bill 3707, Section 5 A. House Bill 3707 provides instructions to DHEC regarding vaccine distribution. We want lawmakers to tell DHEC to prioritize getting the vaccine to those most at risk.

We need you to call your state senators now and ask them to adopt our changes to House Bill 3707 and make sure that  SC DHEC gives priority to high-risk groups as they distribute the vaccine.
 
Please dial 1-844-250-5544 (toll-free) to be transferred to your state senator's office. Ask him or her to: 

"Amend House Bill 3707 so the COVID-19 vaccine quickly reaches the most vulnerable South Carolinians. Older adults, people with disabilities, and other high risk populations shouldn’t be overlooked when the Senate votes on priorities for vaccinations. Tell your Senator to support amendments that move the most vulnerable among us to the front of the vaccine line."

Call your State Senator and ask them to support AARP's amendments to House Bill 3707.