Pregnant Women, Childcare Workers, Law Enforcement Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine Starting Thursday

Come Thursday, Ohio will expand its list of eligible Ohioans who can sign up to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

Phase 1C includes eligibility for those with Type 1 diabetes or ALS, pregnant women and those who have had a bone marrow transplant. Additionally, residents working in childcare, funeral services and law enforcement and corrections also will become available.

Ohio this week is also expanding age-based eligibility to people age 60 and older.

A total of 448,390 COVID-19 vaccine doses are coming into Ohio this week, “by far the most doses that we received in any other week,” Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday.

Beginning this week, the state will receive 96,100 doses of Johnson & Johnson's single shot vaccine. That is in addition to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines already being distributed.

"What we're seeing is that there still is a significant demand for the vaccine but we're seeing some space in there, we're seeing some opening and opportunities," DeWine said. "Now's the time – if you haven't been able to get the vaccine and you qualify – now's the time you should be able to get that vaccine."

DeWine said those additional doses is what helped the state decide to move to Phase 1C of the vaccination plan.

Those in law enforcement and corrections must have first responder or direct supervisory responsibilities to be vaccine eligible, the governor said, and must be on active duty, working at least 20 hours a week. Those who are retired, special or reserve officers do not qualify.

Childcare workers also must meet requirements for eligibility.

“That includes lead and assistant teachers and substitutes who are enrolled in Ohio's professional registry who are currently working in open childcare and pre-kindergarten programs,” DeWine said. “This will also include licensing specialists employed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or county job and family service agencies.”

Phase 1C’s childcare provider definition does not include parent volunteers, board members, owners or administrators who do not provide in-classroom support, he added.

DeWine said those eligible can find vaccine availability by visiting coronavirus.ohio.gov for a list of participating providers including local health departments, hospitals and pharmacies.

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