COLUMBUS — The President’s Days snowstorm delayed more than commuters and kids headed back to school Tuesday; it also delayed some coronavirus vaccine shipments to Ohio and through the state. Gov. Mike DeWine did not give details on how many shipments might have been delayed, but did say it was a concern.
“We were notified that some of the shipments were not going to be made because of the weather. We understand that. We don’t want to see any spoilage, any loss of the vaccine,” DeWine said at his briefing Thursday afternoon.
The Gov.’s office now says the shipment delays could run for up to two days.
DeWine also voiced concern about people not being able to get to their vaccination appointments around Ohio. DeWine’s Director of Transportation, Jack Marchbanks, gave an update on the road clearing effort during the Governor’s briefing. He urged people to be careful because many roads remain snow covered and slippery, asking that people avoid driving until ODOT can clear the roads.
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“This will ensure that we can have things as clear as possible before the next wave comes in,” Marchbanks said.
More snow may be coming later in the week in some parts of the state.
Many vaccination clinics originally set for Tuesday were cancelled around the state. Some were delayed several days. The Clark County Combined Health District set Friday as a “make-up” day for anyone who missed their appointment. Greene County Public Health did not have a clinic set for Tuesday and expected to remain on schedule for Wednesday and Thursday.
“Hopefully it will be nice and clear,’ said Laurie Fox, Greene County Public Health Public Information Officer. “People will be able to get in. And they don’t have to wait outside. They’ll be able to get inside at this location because we know it is going to be very, very cold outside. So they don’t have to worry about that. So we are on schedule for Wednesday and Thursday both,” Fox said.
DeWine urged people to stay in touch with their vaccine provider.
“If you haven’t heard from your provider and are concerned about whether your appointment is still scheduled or you need to cancel your appointment, please contact your provider or visit their web site,” DeWine said.
The one new development in DeWine’s briefing Tuesday is additional discussion of a new web site being developed by the state to assist people in registering for the vaccine. It is a one-stop-shop site that would tell people where a clinic would be near them that has the vaccine and would allow them to register for an appointment. DeWine said it is nearly ready for launch and is coming soon. No specific timetable was revealed.