Diabetes patients say it is a welcome relief that they can now get their COVID-19 vaccine.
COLUMBIA, SC – South Carolina will enter Phase 1b of the vaccine next week, a massive addition to those who will be able to receive the COVID-19 shot.
Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina, along with DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer and Headmistress Molly Spearman announced Tuesday that the state would enter Phase 1b on March 8.
RELATED: Half of all South Carolinians can be vaccinated next week
Among those eligible to receive the Phase 1b vaccine are people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Jamie Barrett is one of them.
Barrett says, as she was celebrating her 35th birthday, “she couldn’t understand why I stopped drinking water all the time.” In 2002 the ballroom dancer was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. “They diagnosed me with adolescent adult diabetes.”
Barrett monitors her insulin levels using an app on her phone, an app that monitors her religiously. “I am currently wearing an Omnipod insulin pump and a Dexcom glucose-6 monitor.”
Starting Monday, Barrett and many others will be able to get the COVID vaccines.
RELATED: Phase 1B Expands Vaccination Access for Most SC Residents
Governor @ HenryMcMaster and DHEC announced today that South Carolina will move to Phase 1b of the state COVID-19 vaccination schedule starting Monday, March 8th.
https://t.co/QWdHxTX9wy pic.twitter.com/CvnxcqeSdx
– SCDHEC (@scdhec) March 2, 2021
The specialist in infectious diseases, Dr. Helmut Albrecht, says people with Down syndrome, heart disease, HIV / AIDS and obesity are also eligible. “55 years and older and people between 16 and 55 years who suffer from diseases,” said Albrecht. “That’s an estimated 2.7 million people.”
Albrecht says while the lines may be longer and people may not be able to book appointments for the next day, there will be enough vaccines to keep all of these people inoculated.
Luis Malave also has type 1 diabetes. He says what makes his condition a lot more serious is that he also has pre-existing lung conditions.
Malave says he’ll schedule his appointment first thing on Monday. “I’m excited and very happy. You actually found something that combats what is damaging my health.”
To find out more about who is eligible to receive the Phase 1b vaccine, click HERE.
