Ohio Will Not Expand Vaccine Eligibility For Weeks

COLUMBUS, OH — Starting Monday, Ohioans 65 and older will be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Once the state opens the vaccine to 65-year-olds, it will not further expand vaccine eligibility for weeks, according to Gov. Mike DeWine. The state is attempting to vaccinate its most-vulnerable residents against the virus, and that includes older Ohioans, teachers, and people with chronic medical illnesses.

"I wish we had enough vaccine to open up Ohio Stadium and big venues and vaccinate day and night. But we don't have enough vaccine, so we must focus on the most vulnerable," the governor said.

It's unclear when the vaccine may be available to younger, healthier Ohioans.

As of Thursday, approximately 50 percent of Ohioans 80 and older have received the vaccine.

Don't miss the latest updates from health and government officials in Ohio on the coronavirus. Sign up for Patch newsletters and news alerts.

DeWine noted that both Pfizer and Moderna are planning to increase the number of vaccine doses they are shipping to Ohio in coming weeks.

"We are happy with that news. We know there is frustration from people who can't get vaccines, but these numbers should expand as we go forward," DeWine said.

Thursday's COVID Numbers

Ohio's COVID-19 numbers trended up slightly on Thursday. After four straight days of confirming fewer than 4,000 new COVID-19 cases among Ohioans, the state confirmed 4,120 cases on Thursday. That's still down versus the statewide average of 4,931 cases per day.

Here are all of Thursday's COVID-19 numbers:

• New cases: 4,120.
• New deaths: 79.
• New hospitalizations: 237.
• New ICU admissions: 34.

The Ohio Department of Health estimated that 806,397 Ohioans have contracted COVID-19 and recovered.

Approximately 8 percent of Ohioans have received at least the first part of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state health department. As of Wednesday afternoon, 935,383 Ohioans had received at least the first shot and 238,732 Ohioans have completed the vaccination process.