Ohio has started distributing safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines statewide to those who choose to be vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine development process included steps comparable with those used to develop previous vaccines, such as the flu or measles vaccine. While vaccine supply is limited, Ohio will follow a phased approach to vaccine administration. In the first vaccination phase, priority will be given to individuals at the highest risk, as well as essential health care workers and personnel caring for COVID-19 patients.
As supply increases, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to
all Ohioans who choose to be vaccinated.
·
Phase 1
(Supply Limited): Vaccine is available in limited supply and will be
available only for specific critical populations. Ohio will focus on
vaccinating those most at risk, as well as essential healthcare workers and
personnel caring for COVID-19 patients.
·
Phase 2
(Supply Increasing): Vaccine availability is increasing and can be offered
to a larger group of specific critical populations who choose to be vaccinated.
·
Phases
3-4 (Widely Available): Once the vaccine is widely available, Ohio will
continue to strategically vaccinate Ohioans if they choose to receive vaccine.
Ohio is now beginning Phase 1B. Phase 1B will provide
vaccines to Ohioans age 65 and older and those living with severe congenital,
intellectual or developmental disabilities, or early-onset medical disorders.
Also included in Phase 1B are K-12 school employees as part of a plan to resume
or continue in-person learning or hybrid models by March 1.
·
Week of
Jan. 19: Ohioans age 80 and older
·
Week of
Jan. 25: Ohioans age 75 and older; those with a developmental or
intellectual disability AND specific severe congenital or developmental
disorders listed above.
·
Week of
Feb. 1: Ohioans age 70 and older; employees of K-12 schools that have
committed to remain or return to in-person or hybrid models
·
Week of
Feb. 8: Ohioans age 65 and older.
·
Week of
Feb. 15: Those with specific severe congenital or developmental disorders
listed above.
As supply increases, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to
all Ohioans who choose to receive the vaccine.
Paramount Medicaid will help its members with transportation
to and from their COVID-19 vaccination appointment, as long as they are not ill.
They must wear a mask during all points of transit.
For the latest Paramount Medicaid COVID-19 information,
please visit paramounthealthcare.com/covid-19.
