COVID-19 vaccine eligibility

The Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services reports 75% of the refugees in the state have settled in Cleveland and Columbus in the last year; Gov. Mike DeWine is downplaying his and his administration's involvement in the nuclear bailout bill House Bill 6; A new COVID-19 booster vaccine is being developed targeting the new dominant subvariant and doctors say those eligible shouldn't wait ... and more stories.

A panel of advisers at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the way for children as young as 5 to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, and shipments could arrive in Northeast Ohio soon.

Akron-based Goodyear is facing accusations of unpaid wages, unlawful overtime and threats to foreign workers at its tire plant in Malaysia; a historically Black college near Dayton is canceling its recent graduates’ student debt; clinical trials are underway to test the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine in children; and more stories.

The wider availability of coronavirus vaccines in recent weeks has many Clevelanders weighing whether to get the shots, which can protect against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

Health officials expect the Pfizer vaccine to be authorized for use in children aged 12 to 15 soon, but younger children will have to wait.

Gov. Mike DeWine has announced a new, streamlined COVID-19 health order that continues requirements for wearing masks and social distancing in public but will ease rules for large outdoor gatherings; Gov. DeWine also says he's talking with schools about vaccinating 16 and 17-year-olds, with parental approval; a coalition of voting rights groups in Ohio is urging state officials and lawmakers to get moving now to lay the groundwork for redrawing congressional and legislative districts; and more stories.

With more than 570,000 doses expected to arrive Tuesday, Gov. Mike DeWine says people will be able to book appointments closer to their homes.

Hundreds of people turned out for a “Stop Asian Hate” march in Cleveland’s AsiaTown Sunday afternoon; every Ohioan age 16 and up is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; Ohio Lt. Gov. Jon Husted is facing backlash for a tweet referring to the “Wuhan virus”; and more stories.

A week after opening as one of Ohio's 15 mass vaccination sites, thousands have been given the shots. And in general people are pleased with the experience.

Mike DeWine says no shots should be wasted and gives permission to providers to fill unbooked appointments with those who are not yet eligible.