Current News

Everyone five years and older is now eligible for a vaccine. And with a new more infectious variant called Omicron arriving, everyone needs to get vaccinated ASAP. The Delta variant is still the dominant infection in Ohio, and studies have shown that Delta is 60% more infectious than the first COVID. Early research shows Omicron may be more infectious and people who've had COVID and aren't vaccinated are very susceptible to the Omicron variant because of its mutations. Scientists are warning those who believe they're immune and have antibodies to protect them because of an earlier infection are not.

Doctors are reporting that the surge in COVID and COVID deaths are nearly all among UNVACCINATED people. Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff recently said COVID-19 cases are very high in Ohio right now, with nearly 19,000 testing positive during last week of October, and 18% of those were under the age of 18.  
 
Vaccines are available at most local drugstores (all free) and the city of Cleveland has almost weekly vaccine clinics. You can also sign up for an appointment at: gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

It takes five weeks from the first shot of the vaccine to get maximum protection, but that includes getting a second shot after the first.

Pediatric vaccines - for those five to 11 - are being shipped to doctors offices, health departments and some drug stores. More than 2,000 Ohio kids under 18 have been hospitalized with COVID and more than two dozen have died. Talk to your pediatrician about getting your child vaccinated.

Only 51% of Ohioans (12 and older) are fully vaccinated.  If you're unvaccinated PLEASE continue to wear masks indoors. People undergoing cancer therapy, people who've had transplants and others either can't get vaccinated or the vaccines don't elicit the same immune response are at risk. They are likely continuing to wear masks. Do the right thing and mask up.

Some businesses are still requiring customers to wear masks, which is legal and their right. And others might just feel more comfortable continuing to wear masks. 

CVS, Rite Aid, Wallgreens, some Giant Eagles and other local drug stores are all giving vaccines. Most have walk-in appts available. You can call 2-1-1 from 8 am to 4 pm M-F to find information. You can also use the state tool  -  gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov - is also intended help make information easily accessible. 

Call the drug stores and pharmacies to double check they are taking walk-in clients. Otherwise make an appointment online. 

Vaccines are also available at City Health Centers:
On Tuesdays - 9 am–6:30pm at the J.Glenn Health Center, 11100 St. Clair Ave. 
Thursdays - 9 am-6:30pm at the McCafferty Health Center, 4242 Lorain Ave. 
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays - 9:00am-3:00pm at both Health Centers

To keep update on any changes go here: Coronavirus Vaccine | Ohio Department of Health.