Next in line for Pfizer's vaccine are nursing homes.
Five to ten facilities in Ohio will get vaccines Friday, and thousands of long-term care centers will follow in the coming weeks.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine spoke with City of Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther as vaccines were distributed at the Crown Pointe Care Center.
Eighty-eight thousand nursing home residents and staff have the chance to get vaccinated with this first round of vaccines.
Residents of long-term care facilities account for more than 50% of the state's COVID-19 deaths.
“It’s incredibly exciting because we finally have some hope there’s going to be an end,” Ohio Health Care Association Executive Director, Pete Van Runkle said.
He said it will take time to get vaccines to all facilities.
“Anything you’re trying to do this quickly that’s this complicated has issues, but overall the concept is really good, it’s bringing the vaccine to the people,” Van Runkle said.
No one will be forced to get it. Van Runkle said pharmacies are insisting on written consent, which can be difficult for some who aren’t able to give consent themselves. The staff has to get in touch with a family member or guardian.
“Our members are trying to overcome all of that, and we’re trying to give them information and education to help in that process,” Van Runkle said.
After these first 88,000 vaccines, Phase 1A is still a lengthy task.
“We are not even covering skilled nursing facilities at 100%, and then we have all the assisted livings, and all the ICS, and all the group homes for people with mental illness, and HUD housing, low-income housing for seniors, there’s a lot of others out there,” he said.
ABC 6/FOX 28 will continue to follow the latest on vaccines.