Ohioans 75+, those with developmental and intellectual disabilities now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

COLUMBUS, Ohio (FOX19) - As of Jan. 25, Gov. Mike DeWine says those over the age of 75 will be eligible to start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine if they choose.

DeWine says those with developmental and intellectual disabilities coupled with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders will also be eligible for the vaccine Monday.

In order to be eligible, people under the age of 75 must have both a developmental or intellectual disability and one of the following conditions:

Cerebral palsy
Spina bifida
Severe congenital heart disease requiring hospitalization within the past year
Severe type 1 diabetes requiring hospitalization within the past year
Inherited metabolic disorders including phenylketonuria
Severe neurological disorders including epilepsy, hydrocephaly, and microcephaly
Severe genetic disorders including Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Turner syndrome, and muscular dystrophy
Severe lung disease, including asthma requiring hospitalization within the past year, and cystic fibrosis
Sickle cell anemia
Alpha and beta thalassemia
Solid organ transplant patients

The governor reminds eager Ohioans that the vaccine is in limited supply.

However, he says more shipments are arriving each week.

Tomorrow, Ohioans with developmental/intellectual disabilities coupled with severe congenital, developmental, or early-onset medical disorders will be eligible for the vaccine. Local developmental disabilities advocates will contact those in this group to arrange vaccination. pic.twitter.com/JxRy5ZiitX
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) January 24, 2021

The Ohio Department of Health has launched a tool on vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov to assist residents looking for a provider that has been allocated vaccines.

On Feb. 1, vaccinations are anticipated to begin for those ages 70 and up.

On Feb. 8, they are anticipated to begin for those ages 65 and up.

DeWine said 96 percent of public school districts have committed to returning to school at least partially in-person by March 1.

“For those districts and other schools that have made this commitment, the State has designated a local Educational Service Center as a working partner. These Educational Service Centers are communicating this week with each school district to confirm final plans,” he said.

Find more information about the vaccine here.

See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Click here to report it. Please include title of story.

Copyright 2021 WXIX. All rights reserved.