DOVER — In conjunction with Ohio’s statewide efforts to distribute COVID-19 vaccines to Ohioans in Phase 1B starting the week of January 19th, the Tuscarawas County Emergency Management Agency, New Philadelphia City Health Department, and the Tuscarawas County Health Department are partnering to lead the vaccination efforts.
- 80 years of age and older – January 19
- 75 years of age and older and those with severe congenital and development disorders – January 25
- 70 years of age and older; employees of K-12 schools – February 1
- 65 years of age and old – February 8
“The Tuscarawas County EMA and the New Philadelphia City and Tuscarawas County HealthDepartments have trained for years this kind of vaccination process,” explained Alex McCarthy, Director of the Tuscarawas County EMA. “We continue to serve the community as an information and resource support agency, and we are committed to engaging with our local
health departments to ensure that they have the support they need to be successful. Together, we are well-equipped to lead this effort in our community.”
JMN asked if younger residents with underlying health conditions would have the opportunity to move to the front of the line, and the answer was no.
Health officials sited that it would become to hectic to determine who has underlying health conditions and what conditions would apply.
Vickie Ionno, New Philadelphia City Health Commissioner, noted, “In these early stages of vaccine distribution, vaccine supply is very limited, and we thank everyone for their patience while demand for the vaccine remains higher than the available supply. Meanwhile, it remains vitally important to continue using all the tools available to help prevent the spread of COVID19 until a substantial number of people can be vaccinated. Continue to wear masks, social distance, and wash hands often to reduce your chance of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Even after getting the vaccine, it’s important to follow safety protocols. The vaccine will protect you from getting ill; however, not enough is known about whether or not you can still
carry the virus and spread it to others.”
Katie Seward, Tuscarawas County Health Commissioner, stated, “We are committed to getting the vaccine out to residents as quickly as possible. No doses adapt our plans and increase our capacity to vaccinate the community on a larger scale when higher quantities of vaccine are available. Our goals for Phase 1B vaccinations are to save lives of the most vulnerable citizens and to get kids back to school. Our experience with vaccinating for the seasonal flu and the H1N1 pandemic has prepared us well for this work.