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By Jerry Bellune
JerryBelune@yahoo.com
Older Lexington County Chronicle readers report being able to get vaccinated without appointments.
Yet some who used the DHEC-CDC VAMS site online were unable to get appointments before March.
Among the most successful vaccination  sites, readers tell us, is the Prisma Health site at Gamecock Park on Bluff Road across from the Carolina football stadium.
2 of us from the Chronicle tested it last week and found it well run although early morning vehicle lines were backed up onto Bluff Road. Pfizer vaccine is given by registered nurses at your vehicle.

In contrast, Prisma vaccine sites around Upstate SC are operating under new hours and the changes have led to long lines.
These included vaccination sites in Greenville, Easley, Oconee and Laurens counties.
The Chronicle asked DHEC officials if they anticipated problems in Lexington or Richland counties.
DHEC officials, we have found, rarely answer simple questions directly.

Laura Renwick of the health agency replied:
"DHEC's most current guidance to vaccine providers urges against holding regular mass clinics that could exceed doses available until more vaccine is available."
The reason is to avoid "long lines or people waiting and then having to be turned away." 
"Prisma receives its vaccine shipments directly from the federal government.
"Any shipping delays are from the federal government.

An upstate TV station flew over a vaccination site in Greenville and reported a line wrapped around the building and the parking lot full.
Dozens of people were left frustrated Monday morning after lining up before 7 am to get vaccinated.

The Chronicle cares about your concerns and invites questions or comments at JerryBellune@yahoo.com