Yesterday evening, Governor DeWine announced that the State of Ohio will be lifting most health orders on June 2. Measures being removed will include facial coverings protocols, social distancing guidelines and capacity restrictions for indoor and outdoor events.
FCPH will continue to evaluate its recommendations and current orders based on the circumstances and needs of our community. With the lifting of statewide health orders, it is even more crucial that Franklin County residents get vaccinated if they have not done so yet. As of today, more than 576,000 residents in Franklin County have received at least one dose of the vaccine. We applaud those who have taken this important step in protecting themselves and others.
Additionally, yesterday the CDC recommended the use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine following the FDA’s decision to authorize emergency use for 12 to 15 year-old adolescents. This is great news for our adolescent residents.
With all of this in mind, we remain diligently focused on vaccinations – particularly with a focus on equity. We continue to bring the vaccine into our most at-risk communities and are accepting requests for equity doses. You can find a form for requesting equity doses on our website at vax2normal.org/vaccine/.
I also wanted to share that our clinic (1700 Morse Road) will be open tomorrow, May 14 from 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and on Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. – noon for walk-in vaccinations. There is no better time than now to get the vaccine. You do not need an appointment, ID or insurance. We will be administrating the Moderna vaccine so you must be age 18 and up. Visit our website for more information. For those who are 12-18 years old, Columbus Public Health is offering Pfizer and are accepting appointments and walk-ins. Find out more on their website at columbus.gov/coronavirus.
In closing, it is worth repeating: it is more important than ever for Franklin County residents to get vaccinated. We deeply encourage all residents ages 12 and older to get the shot as soon as possible. We encourage you to reach out to family and loved ones to see if they need help getting a vaccine. To find an appointment, visit vax2normal.org or gettheshot.corornavirus.ohio.gov.
Joe Mazzola, MPA
Franklin County Health Commissioner