Current data shows a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racially and ethnically diverse groups caused by COVID-19. According to The Ohio Department of Health, African Americans make up 14 percent of Ohio’s population, but represent 26 percent of positive COVID-19 cases. African Americans also represent 31 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 17 percent of COVID-19 deaths in Ohio.
Unfortunately, the disparity is likely to remain given the latest developments in Ohio regarding the dissemination of the COVID vaccine. Ohio isn’t expected to see a ramp-up in vaccine doses until March when Johnson & Johnson’s one-shot vaccine could be approved for widespread use. Until then, Ohio will continue to roll out vaccines to the 2.2 million Ohioans in group 1B, which includes adults over 65, those with severe medical disorders that make them vulnerable and K-12 teachers and staff so schools can reopen in-person classes by March 1.
The following information will assist in determining where and when you can get your COVID vaccination.
A new state website shows 757 locations where Ohioans age 80 and older can get a COVID-19 vaccine starting next week.
The website, vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov, lists providers by county and ZIP code. Each provider has its own process for scheduling appointments, and the Ohio Department of Health recommends people call the provider or visit its website in advance to make sure it is currently administering shots.
More: Ohio doesn’t have a statewide COVID-19 vaccine waitlist. But some local health departments do.
State list: Where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine in Ohio
Ohio vaccination schedule
- Starting Jan. 19 – People 80 years of age and older.
- The week of Jan. 25 – Age 75 and older and those with conditions putting them at high risk of COVID-19 complications.
- The week of Feb. 1 – Age 70 and older and teachers and staff at K-12 schools that plan to be in-person or hybrid by March 1.
- The week of Feb. 8 – Age 65 and older.
Vaccine guide — Who’s eligible and where can you get vaccinated in Akron-Canton region
Summit County
Vaccinations will be available at 33 locations throughout the county, according to Summit County Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health. The number of provider locations may change.
List: These 33 Summit County locations are getting vaccines. Here’s how to get an appointment
Q&A: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Summit County
Guide: Here’s how Summit County residents 80 and older can get vaccinated
Registry: What you need to know about Summit County Public Health’s COVID-19 vaccine registry
Stark County
26 providers will administer the vaccine to eligible people.
Details, list: Here’s where you can get the shot in Stark
Q&A: How to get a COVID-19 vaccination in Stark County
Portage County
The Portage County Health District will be making appointments by phone in the coming days. The vaccines will only be given to people who make appointments, and the location of the clinic will not be announced publicly to avoid walk-ins. Because of limited doses of the vaccine, only Portage County residents, including Kent residents, are eligible for the Portage vaccination clinics.
Details:How Portage seniors can get vaccine for COVID
Medina County
Fourteen providers will start to receive COVID-19 vaccines for older patients next week.
List:Here are the 14 locations in Medina County to get a shot
Wayne County
The health department established a registry for Wayne County residents ages 65 and older. The registry will allow health officials to prioritize vaccine distribution between the health agency and the hospitals. Anyone without internet access or who needs assistance filling out the form can contact the United Way of Wayne and Holmes Counties WHIRE line at 330-263-6363.
Info: Where and when you can get a COVID-19 vaccine
Registry: Wayne County Health Department opens registration for COVID-19 vaccine