Schools, pediatric hospitals and public health clinics will be at the epicenter of Ohio's push to vaccinate children ages 5 to 11 against COVID-19.
A week into the effort, more than 34,000 Ohio children ages 5 to 11 have started the vaccination series by getting the first of two shots.
"Kids are used to getting vaccinations. They know the process and what to expect," said Dr. Sara Bode, medical director of Nationwide Children's Hospital's school-based health and mobile clinics.
More Details:Nationwide Children's vaccinates first kids ages 5 to 11 for COVID in Columbus
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 17. Those ages 12 and older receive a 30 microgram dose while children 5 to 11 receive a 10 microgram dose. The vaccine still requires two shots taken three weeks apart.
Where can parents get information about the vaccination?
Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health, recommended checking with your nearby children's hospital, local health department, family doctor or visiting Coronavirus.Ohio.gov for information.
Appointments can be scheduled by visiting gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov
While Nationwide Children's Hospital requires parents to give informed consent, they aren't required to be at the clinic when the shot is given. Madison County Public Health Commissioner Chris Cook said his agency is requiring parents to be present for the vaccinations with the young kids.
Also, for children who are enrolled in Ohio Medicaid managed care plans, they can get a $100 gift card when they get the first shot. The gift cards are available to eligible Ohioans through Dec. 31.
What can Ohioans do to avoid COVID-19 during the holidays?
The push to vaccinate children comes as the number of cases across the country and in Ohio is climbing. Ohio is seeing nearly 5,000 cases a day now, compared with 3,500 cases a day two weeks ago.
Experts worry that waning immunity from the vaccines, a move to indoor activities as the weather cools and lax use of masks may contribute to a winter surge in cases.
"We are most certainly not out of the woods," Vanderhoff said.
Related:Ohio had more deaths than births in 2020, a grim first in state history amid COVID-19
When asked about holiday gatherings with unvaccinated relatives, Vanderhoff suggested wearing a mask, considering the ventilation and limiting the size of the party.
Since the pandemic began in March 2020, Ohio has seen 1.59 million cases, including 82,000 hospitalizations and more than 25,000 deaths.
Vanderhoff said the pediatric vaccinations, as well as anticipated new oral treatments for COVID-19, are reasons for optimism. But, he warned, the upcoming treatments will likely be for those at the highest risk of complications and supplies will be limited at the outset.
The best protection is vaccination and vaccination boosters, he said.
Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.
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