DeWine lowers the age of vaccine to 50, and this can be done for further medical conditions

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Government Mike DeWine announced at a news conference Monday that the state will consider the COVID-19 vaccine to include additional health conditions as part of the Phase 1D rollout, as well as to include age fitness as part of the Phase 2B deployment.

From Thursday 11 March, individuals with type 2 diabetes and end-stage kidney disease can schedule appointments for vaccinations.

DeWine previously included type 1 diabetes as a suitable medical condition at stage 1C stage on March 4th.

In addition to the Phase 1D rollout, DeWine has also announced Phase 2B, lowering the age for admission to the vaccine to 50 years and older.

Phase 2B also begins on March 11th.

The governor said about 1.2 million people in Ohio are part of the category included in Phase 2B, which adds up to ages 50-59.

DeWine estimates that the number of individuals under the age of 50 with end-stage renal disease in Ohio is about 25,000 and those under 50 with type 2 diabetes about 172,000.

Ohio residents looking to get vaccinated will be able to use a central scheduling tool on the Ohio Department of Health website from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Click here to learn more about the tool.