CLEVELAND, Ohio – More than 17,000 Ohio residents registered today, the first day of registration for the massive COVID-19 vaccination site at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University, Governor Mike DeWine said during his press briefing Thursday.
“We’re off to a good start,” DeWine said.
Vaccinations begin Wednesday. The Wolstein Center can provide up to 6,000 vaccinations per day, seven days a week, for eight weeks.
Qualifying Ohio residents can go to the state’s new COVID-19 vaccine website to register for the shots at the Wolstein Center and other locations.
The COVID-19 admission age dropped to people 50 and older, people with type 2 diabetes and end-stage kidney disease on Thursday.
Mass vaccination sites and the new central registration portal of the state are efforts to streamline the process of finding vaccinations.
The rollout has been criticized for being frustrating and time consuming. Elderly people and those who do not have access to the Internet rely on family members or friends who have been trying to plan appointments for days.
On Thursday, there were numerous appointments in the Wolsten Center, and the site seems to be working smoothly.
Thursday morning was the earliest available date in the Wolstein Center on Saturday, March 20, and seven appointments were free. There were 19 slots available for Sunday, March 21st.
By Thursday afternoon, 17 appointments were available for Monday 22 March and 24 slots were open on Tuesday 23 March.
It appears that the portal only opens for two days at a time for shots fired at the Wolstein site; if the two days are filled, two more dates are made available. Only two dates are available at a time. Appointment dates at the end of March and April, for example, were not available on Thursday.
‘This mass vaccination is a joint partnership with many organizations, including FEMA. As such, we are working closely with FEMA on how and when to open appointments, ‘DeWine spokeswoman Alicia Shoults said in an email. “In the coming days, more appointments will be added, and Ohio residents are encouraged to check out the site.”
The new state-of-the-art vaccine information center also displays available appointment hours with some providers, but directs users to provide websites for other locations such as Walgreen, Giant Eagle and Marc’s.
DeWine said more vaccine appointments will be available from Wolstein and other providers on the state’s new portal.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is sending officials to Cleveland to assist the state and local providers in the Wolstein Center.
You have questions about the Wolstein Mass Vaccination Site, and we have answers. Information comes from FEMA, the Wolstein Center and Cleveland State University.
When will the website be open?
Seven days a week, 08: 00-20: 00
What vaccines are given?
The first and second doses of Pfizer are given during the first six weeks. The type of vaccine for weeks 7 and 8 is still being decided.
Will people be able to choose the vaccine they receive?
Only one type of vaccination is available when the website is opened.
When do I come back for the second shot?
Book your first appointment now. Come back later if your vaccine provider does not instruct you to book a second appointment. Your second dose will be needed for the Pfizer vaccine 21 days after the first appointment.
Will there be a drive-through option at Wolstein?
No drive option is planned for the site.
Where can I park?
There are approximately 9,000 parking spaces within four blocks of the premises.
Will there be free parking?
Yes, people who receive vaccinations at the Wolstein Center will park for free. There will be more than 1,000 parking spaces available for free parking (the list of plots is not yet complete) and at CSU’s South Garage at 2101 E. 21st Street.
What about security procedures?
Normal security procedures will be in place for access to the Wolstein Center. Full security procedures will be announced soon. Here is a list of prohibited items.
Answer your coronavirus vaccine questions:
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Can you request one coronavirus vaccine if you are concerned about the other?
Should you get the coronavirus vaccine if you have had a bad reaction to the flu shot?
Are you contagious if you have side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?
Can you mix and match two doses of coronavirus vaccine from different manufacturers?
Can I still get my second dose of coronavirus vaccine if I get the first COVID-19 symptoms?
Should you get the second vaccine if you contract COVID-19 after your first dose of coronavirus?
Will your COVID-19 vaccine be less effective if you have to wait longer for the second dose?
If the coronavirus vaccine is 95% effective, how do you know if you are in the other 5%?
Why should I wear a mask if I have been vaccinated against coronavirus?