The state will now allow providers to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 16 years of age or older if appointments are unable to be filled otherwise.
Gov. Mike DeWine said Monday while there are many places where there is a great demand for the vaccine, some providers are having a hard time filling appointments.
If a local health department or hospital is not filling all their slots this week, DeWine said they can schedule with any Ohioan 16 or older.
Last week, the governor announced the vaccine would be available to anyone in Ohio 16 years and older at the end of the month. A significant increase in vaccine supplies expected in the state warrants the eligibility expansion, the governor said.
Currently, Ohioans 40 and older are eligible, along with a variety of others including frontline medical workers, and people with certain health issues.
The state is currently administering 400,000 first doses of the vaccine each week. That number will be increased to 500,000 per week around March 29, when the state expands eligibility to Ohioans 16 years and old, DeWine said.
While the number of coronavirus cases per capita in Ohio continues to fall, it is happening at a pace that could still take weeks to reach the level needed to end health orders in the state, according to state data.
Those orders will be lifted once the state hits the mark of 50 coronavirus cases per 100,000 people for two weeks, DeWine said March 4. Those orders would include the statewide mask order and limits on attendance at sporting events and indoor entertainment events.
Ohio saw 143.8 cases per 100,000 people as of Thursday, according to newly released state Health Department figures. The number has dropped from 731 cases on Dec. 3 to 445 cases on Feb. 3, and to 155 cases last week.
COVID-19 in Ohio
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For more information on Ohio's response to COVID-19, visit coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH.
COVID-19 Vaccine Recources from ODH:
- Ohio's central scheduling system: gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov
- All vaccine providers: vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov
- More vaccine information: coronavirus.ohio.gov/vaccine