Ohio has moved to Phase 1B of the Coronavirus vaccination program, in which more and more Ohioans will be eligible for the vaccine.
The first step of Phase 1B started yesterday, Tuesday, with the vaccine being available to all persons 80 and older.
Next week, Jan. 25, the eligibility age moves to 75 and older, and includes people with severe congenital or developmental disorders.
The state plan calls for Ohioans 70 and older to become eligible starting Feb. 1.
Phase 1B also calls for employees of K-12 schools to be eligible for the vaccine starting Feb. 1.
The final portion of Phase 1B opens the eligibility list to those 65 or older on Feb. 8.
Fulton County
In a press release, Fulton County Health Department officials announced the health department and the Fulton County Health Center are working together to offer community vaccinations at a central location.
The first clinic is Thursday, Jan. 21. Those who are 80 and older can call the health department (419-337- 0915) or Fulton County Senior Center (419-337-9299) and provide contact information.
They will receive a call with the day, time, and location of their appointment to receive the vaccine.
“COVID-19 vaccine continues to be scarce, and it will take several weeks to vaccinate the 1B group,” the release said.
“Those residents younger than 80, we ask for your continued patience through the week.”
Vaccination will also be available at the Swanton Kroger Pharmacy. The pharmacy will follow the 1B vaccination schedule.
“The continued community wide collaboration and cooperation by the responding agencies in Fulton County will enable the effective and efficient distribution of vaccine,” said Becky Goble, Fulton County Emergency Management Agency coordinator.
Other Locations
In Defiance County, four locations in Defiance offer the vaccine: Defiance County General Health District, Kroger Pharmacy, Mercy Health Defiance Hospital, and ProMedica Defiance Regional Medical Center.
In Henry County: Henry County Combined General Health District, Henry County Hospital.
Williams County: Williams County Health Department (Montpelier) and Community Hospitals & Wellness Centers-Bryan.
In the press release, health department officials state the vaccine is one layer of protection.
County residents are asked to continue practicing other layers: frequent hand washing, social distancing, wearing a mask over the nose and mouth, avoiding crowds and large gatherings, opening doors and windows where possible, and staying home if sick “or just not feeling well.”
“Using multiple layers reduces the risk of COVID-19 spread in our community,” health department officials said.