Drug companies are about to start sending more doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to Ohio. But even with more shots, Gov. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) says the state will hold eligibility at 65 years and older starting next week.
DeWine says the state will keep the window of eligibility at 65 in order to vaccinate the 2.2 million people in what's known as Group 1B.
The group includes more than 300,000 teachers and school staff, causing criticism that younger teachers are getting the vaccine ahead of more vulnerable age groups.
DeWine says it's a valid argument.
"It's choices. It's a balance. It's trying to figure out how we protect our elderly but at the same time get our kids back in school," says DeWine.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine addresses the criticism that younger teachers are getting the COVID-19 vaccine ahead of older, more vulnerable Ohioans (1/2) pic.twitter.com/KncL6oJqCI— Andy Chow (@andy_chow) February 4, 2021
The governor says they're still committing about 100,000 doses a week for seniors and diverting the rest to teachers just for the month of February.
The state has been receiving 146,200 doses of the vaccine every week. Starting next week, Moderna will increase its portion from 73,200 to 105,600 bringing the state's total amount of vaccine to 178,600 a week. DeWine says Pfizer plans to increase it's federal supply by 40% by mid-February.
Copyright 2021 The Statehouse News Bureau
