COLUMBUS – Anticipating approval of emergency use of a vaccine against the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, the state has released information about how the shots will be distributed in Ohio.
Those who are most at risk, including those who work in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and other congregate-care facilities, high-risk health care workers, and first responders, will be first on the list, according to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office and the Ohio Department of Health.
An expert panel advising the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also considering giving high priority to workers in essential industries, people with certain medical conditions and people 65 and older.
To make its recommendations to the CDC, the panel will consult trial data on side effects and how people of different ages, ethnicities and health statuses responded. State officials distributing the vaccines are expected to follow the CDC’s guidance.
The health department has identified 10 sites (see illustration above) across the state that will receive pre-positioned vaccine after a COVID-19 vaccine is given emergency-use authorization.
Once the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices issues its recommendation on how to use the vaccine, these sites will begin administering the vaccine immediately to those who choose to receive it and are identified as able to receive it in the first stage.
The pre-positioned sites were selected based on geography, population, and access to ultra-cold storage capacity. Other sites will begin receiving shipments of vaccine following final approval, potentially just days after the pre-positioned sites begin administering the vaccine.
Governor DeWine Tuesday also announced the release of a new holiday celebration guide from the Ohio Department of Health to help families celebrate safely during the 2020-2021 holiday season.
“This year’s holidays will look different as we make adjustments to keep our loved ones and ourselves healthy, so we can celebrate together in the future,” DeWine said.
“Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, please keep the celebration small, and wear as mask and stay socially distanced if you absolutely must celebrate with individuals outside of your household,” he said.
The guide provides alternatives to large in-person celebrations for a variety of holidays, including Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Las Posadas, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Orthodox New Year, and others.