City Employees 79.73% Vaccinated Following Vaccine Incentive Program

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin announced today that 79.73% of eligible City employees, including the Charleston Police Department and Charleston Fire Department, are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 582 out of 730 eligible City employees participated in the vaccine incentive program. Employees had to have at least two doses of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine by October 31, 2021, to take part in the vaccine incentive program.

“This administration has always prioritized public safety and our City of Charleston employees have shown their commitment to our residents and visitors by becoming vaccinated,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin. “We pride ourselves on being out in the community, boots-on-the-ground. Being vaccinated when working with the public is the most responsible way to keep people safe.” 

During the September 7 City Council meeting, City Council approved giving $750 to every City of Charleston employee that was fully vaccinated by October 31, 2021. This allocation was taken from the City’s American Rescue Plan funding to support giving either a $750 cash payment or $750 Health Savings Account contribution to eligible employees. Pursuant to State law, elected officials did not qualify for this incentive program.

As part of the City’s vaccination effort, the Charleston Fire Department conducted on-site vaccination clinics where, in addition to providing first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, they provided 71 COVID-19 booster shots and 136 flu shots to City employees.