CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cuyahoga County Health Council Commissioner Terry Allan said Friday it could be “well into February” before coronavirus vaccines are given to all willing members of the 1A group, which includes health care providers and nursing home residents and others. include. community facilities.
While the vaccinations of these groups are starting to increase elsewhere in the state, Allan said that urban provinces, including Cuyahoga, may need more time because they have larger populations. He also noted that about 20% of the country’s staff are in the healthcare field and are eligible for early vaccinations.
Allan’s comments come after Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday announced plans to distribute vaccines to subsequent groups. Next up is the 1B group, including school workers and older Ohio residents, for whom DeWine said vaccinations will begin around Jan. 19.
When asked how the possible date for February for 1A vaccinations in Cuyahoga County will affect the timeline for 1B residents, Allan cannot say. Early next week, the Board of Health Officers will meet with hospitals, pharmacies and health centers to begin working out a strategy, Allan said.
One possible strategy could be to prioritize certain groups in the 1A and 1B designation, Allan said.