Ohio's Governor and First Lady were vaccinated Tuesday, 2 of the nearly 883-thousand first doses that have been adminstered so far, representing 7.55 percent of Ohio's adult population.
Seniors were one of the first groups targeted for vaccination, because of their increased vulnerability to the virus. People over 70 account for 78% of the states deaths from COVID-19.
Governor Mike DeWine announced today that all of the state's 920 skilled nursing facilities have received the first round of vaccinations, and 89% have completed the second dose. 86% of seniors in assisted living faciltities have gotten their first dose, and 48% have also gotten the second shot.
Ohio is now reaching out to other seniors who might have trouble getting the coronavirus vaccine. The state will start with six vaccination clinics at affordable housing complexes for seniors starting next week. Ohio Department of Aging director Ursel McElroy says the effort ensures equity and access.
"There are about 87,000 older Ohioans living in these sites. We've identified more than 700 sites within high-density metropolitan and suburban areas. This approach will make it possible for us to take the vaccine directly to their homes. And this will service tens of thousands of older Ohioans."
McElroy says the clinics eliminate the need to arrange transportation, and the observation period after the shot is an opportunity to provide wrap-around services. She says the Regional Rapid Response Program will take some of the pressure off other vaccine providers.
