When will Ohio Vaccinate its Seniors?

Ohio has already begun to administer vaccinations to Seniors. The residents and staff of Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and other congregate living facilities, as well as healthcare workers, are in the first phase to receive the vaccine (Phase 1A), which is currently underway. While this makes perfect sense, as Coronavirus has spread like wildfire through Senior Congregate Living Facilities since the onset of the pandemic; many Ohio Seniors who live at home wonder when they can expect to receive their vaccination.

Fortunately, the Ohio Department of Health has issued its plan to deliver the Covid-19 vaccination in a phased approach, you can see it in detail on their website, here. The second phase, Phase 1B is to include: 

• Ohioans, age 65 and up.
• Ohioans with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders that make them particularly vulnerable. 
• Adults/employees in all schools that want to go back, or to remain, educating in person.

According to the Ohio Department of Health’s website, vaccinations for Phase 1B are scheduled to begin on the week of January 19, in the order that follows:

• The week of Jan. 19: Ohioans 80 years of age and older.
• The week of Jan. 25: Ohioans 75 years of age and older; those with severe congenital or developmental disorders.
• The week of Feb. 1: Ohioans 70 years of age and older; employees of K-12 schools that wish to remain or return to in-person or hybrid models.
• The week of Feb. 8: Ohioans 65 years of age and older.

There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel, but it is important that you stay safe at home until it is your turn to be vaccinated.  The CDC recommends the following guidelines and tips for Seniors: 

• If you go out, wear a mask and avoid others who aren’t wearing a mask
• Limit your in-person interactions, particularly indoors
• If you are around others, remain 6 feet apart (about 2 arm’s length)
• Wash your hands, when soap and water aren’t available – use hand sanitizer
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and things that you touch often
• Plan your shopping trips, take advantage of Senior Hours (usually early morning) when the stores are only open to Seniors; opt for grocery delivery or pick up to reduce contact
• Explore dine-in alternatives when eating out, for example: carry out, drive-thru, delivery, and curb-side pick up 

You can read more about Older Adults and Covid-19 on the Center for Disease Control’s website, here.  

Keeping Seniors safe in their homes is our priority at Brady Senior Home Solutions. That is why we take all the necessary precautions and follow CDC guidelines to keep all of our customers safe during this pandemic. For more ways that we can keep you safe within your home, visit our website, here.