DeWine: ‘We don’t want to wait’ with planning for eventual coronavirus vaccine

COLUMBUS — Gov. Mike DeWine said the state is already working on distribution plans for when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available and approved by the federal government.

“We’re sure that we’re going to get guidance from the federal government, but we don’t want to wait on that,” DeWine told Ohioans during his Thursday. “We in Ohio are doing what we can do.”

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has urged governors nationwide to prepare for the mass distribution of a novel coronavirus vaccine as early as Nov. 1.

>> CDC urges states to eliminate red tape to speed potential COVID-19 vaccine distribution by Nov. 1

DeWine said the state has already started working and pulling people together to figure out how the eventual vaccine will be distributed.

The Ohio Board of Emergency, Medical, Fire and Transportation Services passed a motion on Aug. 19 that will allow EMS providers, like local fire departments, to administer vaccinations, including one for COVID-19.

“This action taken by the EMFTS Board has ensured that Ohio EMS will be authorized to participate in the imperative public health mission of vaccination administration,” a letter from the Ohio Department of Public Safety Medical Director Carol Cunningham read.

DeWine said at-risk populations like those living in nursing homes, and also first responders and healthcare workers would likely be the first to get a vaccine in the state.

“Those would be two groups that would be likely to start this off with,” the Governor said.

Cox Media Group