CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cuyahoga County Health Commissioner Terry Allan said on Friday that it could be “well in February” before coronavirus vaccines are administered to all willing members of group 1A, which include professionals health care and nursing home residents congregate facilities.
While vaccinations by these groups are beginning to take place in other parts of the state, Allan said urban counties, including Cuyahoga, may need more time because they have larger populations. He also noted that approximately 20% of the county’s workforce is in healthcare and is eligible for early vaccination.
Allan’s comments came after Governor Mike DeWine on Thursday released plans to distribute vaccines to subsequent groups. The next is group 1B, including school officials and Ohio seniors, for whom DeWine said vaccinations will begin around January 19.
Asked how the possible February completion date for 1A vaccinations in Cuyahoga County will affect the schedule for 1B residents, Allan was unable to say. Earlier next week, Health Council officials will meet with hospitals, pharmacies and health centers to begin plotting a strategy, Allan said.
One possible strategy could be to prioritize certain groups within the 1A and 1B designations, Allan said.