COVID-19 Vaccine available for those over age 80

Knox County residents ages 80 and older can receive the COVID-19 vaccine beginning next week.

Knox Public Health, Knox Community Hospital (KCH), and Kroger have received limited amounts of the COVID-19 vaccine. Each organization will distribute the vaccine by appointment only. Due to the limited supply of the vaccine, you must schedule an appointment to ensure that you are slotted to receive a vaccination. 

 

Knox Public Health

Date: Wednesday, January 20th

Location: Mount Vernon High School Energy Field House

In collaboration with Knox County Emergency Management Agency, Knox Public Health will distribute its vaccine allotment Wednesday, January 20th at the Mount Vernon High School Energy Field House. 

Knox Public Health is compiling a list of those wanting the vaccine from email and phone requests. Those scheduled for the Wednesday clinic will be notified by phone or email with an appointment time. Anyone who has requested the vaccine from Knox Public Health, but was not scheduled for the Wednesday clinic due to limited vaccine, will receive notification for another clinic the following week when more of the vaccine has been received. 

If you are over the age of 80, have not scheduled an appointment, and would like to do so with Knox Public Health, call 740.399.8014 or send an email to info@knoxhealth.com
 indicating your name, age, and phone number.

 

Knox Community Hospital 

Date: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (Jan. 20, 21, 22) from 1-5 pm each day; and on Sat., Jan 23 from 8 am to noon

Location: KCH Main Building, hallway leading to the cafeteria

Knox Community Hospital will administer COVID-19 vaccinations by-appointment-only next week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (Jan. 20, 21, 22) from 1-5 pm each day; and on Sat., Jan 23 from 8 am to noon.  

To make an appointment to get the Vaccine at KCH, call 740.399.3840 from 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday.

 

Kroger

Kroger will activate a helpline starting Saturday to answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and assist with appointments at the Kroger pharmacy. Kroger customers can visit kroger.com/ohiocovidvaccine or call the Kroger COVID-19 vaccine helpline at 866.211.5320 for the latest information on vaccine availability in their area. 

 

PHASE DISTRIBUTION

• Monday, January 25 - ages 75+
• Monday, February 1 - ages 70+
• Monday, February 8 - ages65+

Beginning next week, vaccine distribution at any location will be only for those residents age 80 and older. The week of Jan. 25, vaccinations will open up to those age 75 and older; the week of Feb. 1, vaccinations will be available for those age 70 and older; and the week of Feb. 8, vaccinations will open up for those age 65 and older. In Knox County, there are more than 10,000 people in these age categories.

 

For more information on COVID-19, visit www.knoxhealth.com and https://coronavirus.ohio.gov

What do I need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine?

 Many COVID-19 vaccines are being made. Most require you to get 2 shots. You get the second shot 3 to 4 weeks after you got the first one. The second shot is like a booster shot. You need to get both shots for the vaccine to work. The government makes sure all vaccines are as safe as possible. The vaccine is free. Talk to your doctor about what could happen when you get the COVID-19 vaccine. There are some side effects. For example, your arm might be sore where you get the shot (just like when you get a flu shot), and you might feel tired or have a fever after you get the shot.

What is Ohio’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program? 

It takes time to make enough vaccines for everybody. Ohio has a plan with a few phases to give the COVID-19 vaccines across the state to those who want to get one. People who are most at risk will get the vaccine first.

Who will get the COVID-19 vaccine? 

In the early phases, the people most at risk will be able to get the vaccine if they want. This will include medical workers, people caring for COVID-19 patients, and people who live or work in group settings. This includes people with disabilities who live with one roommate or more as well as their staff. For now, the vaccine is not for children. Younger and healthy adults might have to wait until spring to get the vaccine. Once more vaccines are made, every person in Ohio will have a choice to get the vaccine if they want to. Ask your doctor if you have questions about when it will be your turn to get the vaccine.