LORAIN, Ohio — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was originally published Dec. 30, 2020.
The push to get more COVID-19 vaccinations into the arms of Ohioans has reached the next step.
Lorain County Public Health said Friday they are “currently offering COVID-19 vaccinations to individuals in phase 1A of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination program.”
LCPH, however, said they do not yet have exact timeframes or dates of clinics.
“LCPH’s ability to vaccinate depends upon when and how much vaccine we receive from the state,” officials noted.
Here’s who IS included in phase 1A:
- Residents and staff of nursing homes and assisted living facilities
- People with developmental disabilities and people with mental health disorders (including substance use disorders) who live in group homes, residential facilities, or centers and staff at those locations
- Home health/hospice workers (i.e. home health aides, direct support professionals, sanitation workers)
- Emergency Medical Services responders.
- Primary care practitioners, including family medicine and general medicine providers.
- Freestanding EDs, urgent care, pharmacies, and dialysis centers not vaccinated by hospitals or healthcare systems.
- OB-GYN practitioners not vaccinated by hospitals or healthcare systems.
- Federally Qualified Health Center providers.
- Dental providers.
- Surgeons not vaccinated by hospitals or healthcare systems.
- Mobile unit practitioners.
- Healthcare providers, including public health employees, at risk for exposure to and/or transmission of COVID-19, such as vaccinators.
“If you’re within phase 1A, ask your employer if they have a plan for vaccination since some facilities are enrolled in a federal pharmacy program,” LCPH said. “If your employer does not have a program, LCPH may be able to vaccinate you. Those who fall into phase 1A may sign up to receive a notification about closed COVID-19 vaccine clinics for phase 1A individuals at LorainCountyHealth.com/signup.
LCPH officials estimate phase 1B will likely begin in late January. Those groups include:
Phase 1B individuals include:
- Adults 65 years and older.
- People living with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders.
- Adults who work in schools.