EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — *EDITOR'S NOTE: The video in the player above originally aired in a previous story
As Ohio continues to try and boost its COVID-19 vaccination rate, MetroHealth will be offering free vaccines Wednesday in East Cleveland.
The hospital system has set up a temporary vaccine clinic at Shaw High School, available to anyone who wants to get the shot. The doses offered will be from Pfizer, meaning all residents at least 16 years of age are eligible (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
"We are excited to join with partners in East Cleveland to offer additional COVID vaccinations," Dr. Akram Boutros, President and CEO of The MetroHealth System, said in a statement. "We are offering the vaccinations to people where they live, whether that is East Cleveland, Maple Heights, Clark-Fulton, Tremont or any of the other places we have vaccinated thousands of people."
The vaccinations will take place in the cafeteria, and free parking is available near the building. Since the Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, patients will be automatically scheduled for their second shot three weeks later at Shaw, should they choose.
As of Tuesday, 30.7% of Ohioans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, still well below the desired rate of 70%-85% needed to achieve effective herd immunity. Cuyahoga County sits slightly above the statewide average at 34.6%.
"Under the East Cleveland Revitalization Plan, responding to pandemic needs is critical to the success of our school system and community," Dr. Henry Pettigrew, CEO of East Cleveland Schools, wrote. "We are thankful to MetroHealth for helping us help our community."
The clinic will run from 2-6 p.m., and residents can register for an appointment by logging on to metrohealth.org/covid-19/covid-vaccine or by calling (216) 778-6100. While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins will be accepted.