Portsmouth City Health Commissioner: “Our phones are ringing nonstop with residents who want to get vaccinated.”
The Scioto County Joint Information Center released this statement today.
Scioto County leads the state in the highest percentage vaccinated. Four percent of the county’s population so far have been vaccinated as phase 1a continues.
“Our phones are ringing nonstop with residents who want to get vaccinated. Please remember to use the vaccine hotline and leave a message, 740-352-7020,” said Portsmouth City Health Department Commissioner Chris Smith. “We are compiling a list of those 80+ who will be the next eligible group for vaccinations, but at this point, we can’t make definite appointments for individuals since we simply do not know when we will have an adequate amount of vaccine.”
Scioto County Health Commissioner, Dr. Jerod Walker said, “both local health departments are experiencing heavy vaccination demand that is outpacing the amount of vaccine we have available and are receiving. It is important for those waiting for a vaccination to be patient. If you live in the county or city, please use the vaccine hotline to get your name on the list. We are thrilled about the number of people who want the vaccine and feel your frustration about the wait. We want to vaccinate everyone who wants it, and we will, as the vaccine doses become available.”
Statewide and local vaccine efforts are still focusing on phase 1a eligible Ohioans -frontline health workers, providers, and responders as well as those living or working in congregate living facilities. Phase 1b, which includes those over 65 years of age, those who have severe congenital or developmental health issues, and school workers will begin when more vaccine is available in the coming weeks.
There is now a registration form available online for those 65 and older to be placed on a call-back list for scheduling vaccination appointments once an adequate amount of vaccine has been received. The registration form and other vaccine updates are available on the health departments’, and Scioto EMA’s Facebook pages and websites.
