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

Vaccinations in Phase 1C began on March 4. 

• March 4 – Individuals who are living with type 1 diabetes, pregnant, bone marrow transplant recipients, living with ALS, those who work in law enforcement and corrections, childcare services, and funeral services

Vaccinations in Phase 1D began on March 11. 

• Individuals with Type II diabetes
• Individuals with end-stage renal failure

Vaccinations in Phase 2 began on March 4. 

• March 4 – Ohioans 60 years of age or older

Vaccinations in Phase 2B began on March 11. 

• Ohioans 50 years of age or older

Vaccinations in Phase 1E will begin on March 19.

•  Individuals with cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and obesity.

Vaccinations in Phase 2C will begin on March 19.

• Ohioans 40 years of age or older.

Vaccinations in Phase 2D will begin on March 29.

• Ohioans ages 16 and older (Teenagers who are 16 and 17 years old will only be able to get the Pfizer vaccine since the FDA authorization for Moderna and Johnson and Johnson only covers those 18 years and older.)

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 
• Cincinnati VA Hospital: 513-861-3100

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 is Active

A new centralized scheduling website is now available at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov. 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 Ohio Department of Health is still working with vaccine providers to integrate their current systems into the statewide system. Providers will be expected to use this system or another electronic scheduling system that interfaces with this portal. Outside partners such as Council on Aging and Jewish Family Service’s Community COVID-19 Hotline will be available to help those 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 

Council on Aging is creating a list of homebound seniors in the Southwest Ohio region. There is not a definite plan yet on how or who will provide the vaccine. If the senior is active with COA program, they would need to contact their case manager. If they are not active with a COA program, they can call 513-721-1025 then press option 2 to speak with someone to be added to the list. The caller will need to provide the senior’s name, date of birth, phone number, address, race, and gender. COA will then make contact when the plan in finalized and they have more information to provide.

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)