For the very latest information about the vaccine:

Call our Community COVID-19 Hotline at: 513-766-3333

Overview:

States have started distributing safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines to those who choose to be vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine creation process included steps similar to those used to develop previous vaccines, such as the flu or measles vaccine. Click on the following link to learn more about vaccine safety. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is guiding vaccine distribution recommendations. Most states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana are closely following these guidelines. 

Below, we have compiled an essential list of resources that are relevant to the vaccine. This information is changing rapidly, so please check back frequently. AgeWell Cincinnati and the Community COVID-19 Hotline will also be sharing updates, as they occur.

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 healthcare workers and personnel caring for COVID-19 patients. The speed at which Ohio will move through the phases is largely dependent upon the number of vaccine doses available. As supply increases, COVID-19 vaccines will be available to all Ohioans who choose to be vaccinated. Below is the current schedule for Ohio. Information about other states can be found on its department of health website.

Vaccinations in Phase 1B began on January 19

• January 19 – Ohioans 80 years of age or older
• January 25 – Ohioans 75 years of age or older, those with development or intellectual disabilities who have an underlying condition
• February 1 – Ohioans 70 years of age or older, employees of K-12 schools that wish to remain or return to in-person or hybrid models
• February 8 – Ohioans 65 years of age or older
• February 15 – Ohioans with severe congenital, development, or early-onset, and inherited conditions

The timeline for additional phases of vaccine administration is yet to be determined.

Ohioans should check the websites of their local health departments to learn more about vaccinations in their community or to sign up to receive updates from the local health department. Groups defined by age will receive the vaccine from local health departments, hospitals, federally-qualified health centers, as well as some retail pharmacies. Several local vaccine providers are listed below. To see a full list of providers near you, use this Ohio Vaccine Provider Locations search.

Local Vaccine Providers

• TriHealth: 513-862-6843
• Mercy Health: 866-624-0366
• UC Health: 513-584-3673
• Christ Hospital Health Network: 513-585-3881 

Scheduling Advice

• Providers are announcing appointments as vaccine becomes available. It may require repeated calls to several organizations to schedule by phone. Availability changes daily and appointments fill quickly. 
• Many online platforms require registration. Some alert you via email when appointments become available. It’s important to monitor that email address and schedule as soon as possible. Availability changes daily and appointments fill quickly. If you miss out, you don’t need to reregister. Simply continue looking for the next email announcement that appointments are available again.

New Central Scheduling System Coming Soon for Ohio Residents

A new centralized scheduling website has been created. The website will serve as a singular location for Ohioans to confirm that they are eligible to be vaccinated, identify nearby providers, and schedule their vaccine appointment. The website is not operational yet, as the state is still working with vaccine providers to enroll them in the system. Outside partners such as Council on Aging will be available to help Ohioans who do not have access to the internet with appointment scheduling.

If you are not yet eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, you can register with your local health bureau. They will alert you by email when your category can start making appointments for vaccinations.

Ohio:

• Hamilton County – 513-946-7800
• Butler County – 513-863-1770
• Clermont County – 513-732-5081
• Warren County – 513-695-1228

Indiana:

• Dearborn County
• Ohio County
• Switzerland County 

At this time, there are very limited options for vaccinating homebound individuals. Council on Aging is currently advocating with the State of Ohio to find solutions. One proposed solution would be for local Fire/EMS services to administer the vaccine to homebound individuals within their community.

Council on Aging is also coordinating vaccination clinics within congregate living communities in the Cincinnati area. This effort starts today, with three congregate living homes. They are having the National Guard administer the vaccine to over 300 residents. They are hoping to have more clinics scheduled in late February.

Another option for homebound clients would be to have them schedule with the UC Hospital drive thru vaccination site. You can schedule an appointment with UC Health through MyChart or by calling 513-584-3673. Visiting Physicians Association is also hoping to be able to administer the vaccine to their homebound clients in the near future as well. The Cincinnati branch office number is 513-947-0400.

For free transportation available to older adults:

• Council on Aging + home52 Transportation

To get educated on the COVID-19 vaccine:

• MYTHS vs. FACTS

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about COVID-19 vaccines:

• Vaccine FAQs 

Background on the two authorized and recommended vaccines:

• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine
• Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

For info on potential vaccine side effects:

• Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS)