Health officials in South Carolina are rejoicing as a new COVID19 vaccine registration portal prepares to launch, replacing a system that many users and employees have described with rather harsh language. In fact, Marshall Taylor, acting director of the state Department of Health and Environmental Control has called the system “a four-letter word”.
The DHEC’s first system started on January 13th, following the announcement that seniors would be allowed to receive a vaccination. The Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) is described as being overly complicated, slow, and totally inefficient. The system requires users to select green dots on a map to find available appointments, then using that information to contact providers. VAMS also requires users to provide an email address, which many senior citizens in South Carolina simply do not have.Health care providers are also hindered by VAMS, with many employees reporting that the system spontaneously cancels appointments.
“It’s a difficult system for the providers to use, and DHEC, and the public, most importantly.”, Taylor emphasized.
The new centralized online system will allow users to see providers’ available appointment times, and can schedule both their first and second shots. Both the Moderna and Pfiszer vaccines require a follow up shot several weeks after the first to ensure immunity. Staff will also be increased at the call center by 100 people, and is expected to grow by several hundred as demand continues to grow. South Carolina receives roughly 63,000 doses of the vaccine per week from the federal government.
Until the new system is officially up and running, South Carolina residents are being encouraged to use the DHEC website and social media pages for important updates.