Despite Phase 1B starting, many Ohioans 80+ unable to get vaccine this week

OHIO — Tuesday marked the start of Phase 1B vaccinations in Ohio, with Ohioans age 80 and up allowed to get COVID-19 shots this week.

But with a limited supply of vaccines and appointments booking up entirely at most providers, there are plenty in the Miami Valley eligible for their shot, but not able to get one.

“It’s frustrating. Very frustrating,” said 80-year-old Sandra Henderhan of Kettering, who had hoped to get vaccinated, along with her 82-year-old husband this week. “I know there has to be a lot of people in the same boat,” she said.

In fact, most eligible Ohioans this week are.

Governor DeWine last week said Ohio would only be receiving 100,000 doses of vaccine this week – in contrast to the 425,000 Ohioans age 80 and up.

He, and health leaders across the Miami Valley, have called for patients.

“If your provider is already filled up this week,” DeWine said Tuesday, “They will have additional vaccine next week, and we will continue to push this vaccine out as they get it.”

It can’t come soon enough, though, for Henderhan. After avoiding in-person visits with family over the holidays, she and her husband had hoped to get vaccinated in order to hold a family Super Bowl gathering.

“Now,” she said, “We’re not even going to try that.”

Cox Media Group