Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday new phases for COVID-19 vaccine eligibility. Those in Phase 1C, listed above, will be eligible based on certain health conditions or occupational hazards. Phase 2 opens eligibility to those who are 60 and older. Individuals in both phases will be able to receive the vaccine beginning Thursday. (Graphic submitted)
Those 60 and older will be eligible Thursday
As eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine expands, the number of shots available locally is increasing as well.
The Union County Health Department’s vaccine shipment this week is “significantly larger than previous weeks,” according to a statement from UCHD.
The health department is expecting to received more than 1,000 doses for the first time since vaccination efforts began in late December.
Officials from UCHD noted that FDA approval of a third vaccine, made by Johnson & Johnson, “should help bolster the vaccine supply as well.”
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one dose, compared to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which require a two-shot series.
The statement from UCHD noted that clinical trials indicated the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 85% effective in preventing severe illness, while Moderna is 94.1% effective and Pfizer is 95% effective.
Public health officials recommended residents “get whichever vaccine they have access to,” adding that the goal is to vaccinate the community as quickly as possible.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced Monday the next phases of vaccine eligibility in Ohio.
Beginning Thursday, persons 60 and older, pregnant women, those with type 1 diabetes, individuals with ALS and bone marrow transplant recipients will be eligible to receive the vaccine.
A number of individuals working in high-risk occupations will also be eligible, including persons working in childcare services, funeral services, law enforcement and corrections officers.
Appointments will still be available for those eligible based on previous state requirements.
UCHD officials noted that they will release information “in the next few days” as to when individuals in the newest phase will be able to begin booking appointments to receive the shot.
According to data from the Ohio Department of Health, 14.48% of Union County residents have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
“A local success to celebrate is that Union County’s percentage of residents over age 65 who have been vaccinated is much higher than the state average,” the release from UCHD included.
Over 75% of Union County residents 80 and older have received at least one dose; over 67% of those 75-59; over 65% of those 70-74; and over 50% of those 65-69.
Health department officials noted that the number of appointments available will continue to increase as vaccine supply increases.
They encouraged residents to seek vaccination from all available providers, including Kroger and Walgreens in Union County.