Ohio expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced today that beginning Monday, March 29, any Ohio resident over the age of 16 is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
Ohioans over the age of 40 and those who have cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, and obesity can receive their vaccine beginning on Friday, March 19.
The following are frequently asked questions we have received regarding the new vaccine announcements. Updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.
Will Oberlin receive the vaccine to administer by March 29?
The State of Ohio indicated that Oberlin is approved to be a vaccine distribution center, but there is no indication when vaccines will be sent. We inquire about our status on a regular basis and are hopeful that we will receive the vaccine soon. Announcements will be posted as soon as we are notified that we will receive the vaccine.
Should I wait to get my vaccine at Oberlin?
We recommend obtaining a vaccine as soon as you are eligible. However, keep the following in mind:
- Per the ObieSafe Community Agreement, travel beyond Lorain or Cuyahoga county requires travel approval. View the Temporary Travel Policy here.
- Students who receive approval to travel to obtain a vaccine will be required to quarantine upon return to campus.
- Students will be required to upload a copy of their vaccine card to the Student Health portal.
- Visit the ObieSafe Vaccine Updates webpage for information on the student vaccination card upload process.
- A Faculty and Staff vaccination card upload process will be announced soon.
What vaccine can those younger than 18 years old receive?
- Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine approved for those who are younger than 18.
- People must be 18 or older to receive the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine, though research is underway for ages 12-17.
How can I schedule a vaccine with a provider other than Oberlin?
Ohio’s new Vaccine Management Solution is a streamlined tool to help Ohioans determine vaccine eligibility, find providers, and receive updates. Lorain County Public Health also maintains a regional list.
When will I have maximum immunity to COVID-19?
Vaccine studies indicate that individuals have significant immunity two weeks after the final dose of the vaccine. If you receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, this is two weeks after the second dose. If you receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, immunity is achieved two weeks after the first (only) dose.
Do I need to follow ObieSafe policies after I’m vaccinated?
Yes! Although the vaccine is highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death, it is unknown currently if it prevents transmission of the infection from one person to another. Once you are vaccinated, you may still become infected though you may be asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. Wearing a mask, physically distancing, and testing will protect others. The ObieSafe community agreement remains intact.
Where can I obtain more information about vaccines?
The ObieSafe website is a good resource for additional information: ObieSafe Vaccine Updates.
Get in touch with the ObieSafe team
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