New cases of COVID-19 in the Tri-State are expected to keep increasing, according to local health officials. Jenny Bailer, health commissioner for the Butler County General Health District, says people should prepare for future plans by getting vaccinated now.
"Anyone who's going to be in a crowded situation, people who want to go to concerts, people who want to travel and visit family, now is the time to get vaccinated before this delta variant gets really, really out of control," she says.
Bailer says many people might be unconcerned about getting the virus, but the benefits of vaccination aren't limited to health.
"It's not only about not being in the hospital," she said. "But just to not be inconvenienced by having to stay home for a week from the disease or longer if you get in quarantine."
And, if you're fully vaccinated, you don't have to quarantine if you have close contact with someone who tests positive for the virus. Bailer says that might be especially helpful for student athletes who don't want their season interrupted by COVID.
The vaccines are widely available across the region and approved for anyone age 12 or older. Younger age groups have some of the lowest vaccination rates.
Bailer says she's working to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated. A mobile vaccination bus will be at the Butler County Fair, which runs July 25-31. And an event at the fairgrounds on Aug. 7 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will offer the shot as well as food trucks. You can register for the Aug. 7 event at gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov, but walk-ins are also accepted.
