DeWine: Vaccine Providers Can Fill Vacant Appointments With Ohioans Age 16+

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 7:17 AM

Some providers throughout the state are having trouble filling vaccination appointments.

(Columbus, Oh.) – Ohio is getting a jump start on offering the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 16 and older.

Governor Mike DeWine announced Monday that the State of Ohio has authorized vaccine providers that are having trouble filling appointments to fill those spots with people 16 and older.

This comes just days after Individuals 40 and older and those who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, heart disease or obesity were added to the eligibility list.

“While there are many places where there is a great demand for the vaccine, we do have some providers who are having a hard time filling appointments,” said DeWine. If a local health dept. or hospital is not filling all their slots this week, they may book with anyone 16+.”

Ohioans ages 16 and up were already scheduled to be added to the eligibility list on March 29.

DeWine says the Pfizer vaccine is the only shot that has the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization for 16 & 17-year-olds.

“We are working with providers to indicate if they have the Pfizer vaccine available so that parents will be able to tell where they can take their teens to receive the vaccine,” he added.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine or to register for an appointment, visit ODH - Check Vaccine Eligibility (ohio.gov).