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COVID-19 Vaccine
Plain Language Guide
What is COVID 19?
COVID-19 is the nickname for coronavirus. COVID-19 is making people sick. COVID-19 is the reason you have not been able to do many of the things you like to do. These are things like meet with friends and family, go to work, and attend events.
What is a COVID-19 vaccine?
A vaccine is a type of shot with medicine. The medicine in a COVID-19 vaccine protects you from getting COVID-19.
Why are people getting a vaccine?
People get a vaccine to make it easier for their body to fight COVID-19. Vaccines are one of the ways to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The vaccine will protect you from getting COVID-19.
Do I have to get the vaccine?
No, it is your choice to get the vaccine. If you have questions or worry about getting the vaccine, ask someone you trust. This person can be your doctor, family member, friend, or anyone who you trust.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1b because I have a disability or medical condition?
Starting on March 8, people who have developmental, or other disabilities can get vaccines in 1 b. Because COVID-19 can make people with some types of disabilities very sick, they are considered high-risk. High risk means that COVID-19 can make someone sick or even die.
To see if you can get the vaccine under 1 b, answer the below questions:
- Would getting COVID-19 make you really sick or put you at more risk because of your disability? YES or NO
- Because of your disability or medical condition, do you need help that makes it difficult to socially distance?For example: do you have someone who helps you, like a home care provider or personal care attendant, who needs to be close to you so they can help you? YES or NO
- Because of your disability, if you got sick withCOVID-19, would it make it hard to get the care you need tostay alive? YES or NO
- Do you have one or more of the illnesses listed below?
- Down Syndrome
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Organ transplant
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
YES or NO
If you answered YES to at least one of any of the four questions above, then you can get the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase 1 b.
What papers do I need to show about my disability or health condition?
You do not have to show any documents about your disability.
How do I get the vaccine?
You will need to make an appointment to get your COVID-19 vaccine. There are two ways you can make an appointment:
Go to the website at: www.scdhec.gov/vaxlocator to see where you can schedule your COVID-19 vaccine. On thiswebsite, you can pick the location and contact them to make an appointment.2.You can call DHEC’s COVID-19 vaccine Information line at1-866-365-8110. DHEC can help you find vaccine locations and answer other questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Do I need to wear a mask after I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. You need to keep wearing a mask and follow social distancing. The COVID-19 vaccine will keep you from getting sick. You may be able to give COVID-19 to other people after you get a COVID-19 vaccine. It will take a while for everyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine and be safe.
What are my rights to get the vaccine?
There are many laws that protect you. Providers that give vaccines must make it easy for you to get the vaccine. You cannot get treated unfairly because you have a disability. Being treated unfairly is not good. You have the right to get help when you need it. If you need help getting a COVID-19 vaccine, you can ask the provider. You can also call Able SC to learn more about your rights. You can call them at 800-681-6805 or email them at info@able-sc.org
How much does the vaccine cost?
Nothing. The vaccine is free and does not cost any money. But you will need to bring your insurance card. If you do not have insurance, you can still get a vaccine.
What if my rights are not being respected?
Call Disability Rights South Carolina at 866-275-7273 or email them at info@disabilityrightssc.org.