CLEVELAND — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above originally aired March 4, 2021.
Beginning Thursday, approximately 246,000 new Ohioans became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine under phase 1C of the state's vaccine distribution plan.
On Friday, University Hospitals opened their vaccine pre-registration website to residents eligible under both phase 1C and phase 2.
Once pre-registered for an appointment, University Hospitals will contact the patient via text or email when an appointment time is available. The patient will be provided a phone number to call so that they can speak with a scheduler.
University Hospitals is only distributing the vaccine by appointment. UH prioritizes appointments for populations the state has deemed most vulnerable.
Patients unable to access the internet can call 216-844-3339 for assistance.
The medical conditions that will qualify to receive the COVID-19 vaccine under phase 1C include the following:
- Those living with type 1 diabetes
- Women who are pregnant
- Recipients of bone marrow transplant
- Those living with ALS
Additionally, the following occupations are also now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine:
- Law enforcement officers, including state and federal
- Those working in childcare services
- Those working in funeral services
Phase 2 includes Ohioans who are ages 60 and older. According to Gov. DeWine's office the group includes approximately 695,000 people.
To date, University Hospitals has distributed more than 60,000 dosed of the COVID-19 vaccine to its employees and Northeast Ohio residents.
At this time, patients will not be able to choose which type of vaccine they would prefer to receive, but patients will be informed about what type of vaccination they are receiving and may choose to defer their appointment based on available information. According to clinical trials, all authorized vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
For more information on vaccine distribution at University Hospitals, click here.