Sumter Today: Teachers along with other essential workers could become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the next few weeks.

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Teachers, people who work in grocery stores and other essential workers could become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in the next few weeks.

According to The Associated Press, DHEC is watching vaccine appointments to see when they can make appointments available to more people. About 1.3 million people are eligible in the current Phase 1A.

After the Senate passed a proposal to bump teachers up in line and require schools to reopen to in-person learning, the House has been considering the same. However, a DHEC official told AP that even if they can start getting their shots immediately, by the time teachers get their second dose and build their immunity, the school year will be over.

South Carolina has received just more than 1 million vaccine doses, and nearly 800,000 have been administered.