Age 16+ Added To List Of Vaccine Recipients For “Unused” Clinic Appointments/Changes Announced For Nursing Home Visitations

Presented By Atomic Speedway

Health departments and other vaccine clinics in Ohio have been given the green light to give shots to anyone age 16 and older if they can’t fill appointment slots now through March 29th.

March 29th is the date when anyone 16+ can make appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Ohio. The governor made this announcement while visiting a vaccination site in Youngstown Monday morning.

COVID-19 vaccines are currently available to individuals age 40 and older and for those with cancer, obesity and heart disease.

The state will be opening more mass vaccination clinics around Ohio, including at Adena Health System in Chillicothe the week of March 29th, if they receive their expected shipment of Johnson & Johnson vaccine- according to Governor DeWine.

In his Monday afternoon COVID-19 update press conference, the governor updated state health orders that brings about more changes that allows more visitations in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.  

NURSING HOME/ASSISTED LIVING VISITATION

The Ohio Department of Health will issue an updated order related to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. The general visitation requirements will remain the same, including the requirement that visitors schedule appointments in advance, are screened at the door, and wear masks. Changes to the order include: 

• Ohio is requiring that visitation be permitted whenever safety protocols can be met. Previously, visitation was permitted, not required;
• Vaccinated residents may have physical touch with their visitor while wearing a mask. Previously, touch was discouraged;
• Visits may occur in a resident’s private room, as opposed to the previous requirement of a separate visitation area;
• 30 minutes should serve as the minimum amount of time for a visit. Previously, 30 minutes was the maximum time to visit.

The order will also expand the circumstances in which compassionate care visits should be granted.

In addition, the order will update nursing home and assisted living testing requirements to require the facilities to test vaccinated staff once per week and unvaccinated staff twice per week. The previous order made no distinction between vaccinated or unvaccinated staff.

“We must continue regularly testing for the virus,” said Governor DeWine. “It’s just good science, and it will help us identify cases early and prevent the spread. Further, if COVID is controlled, that means less disruption to visitation.”

Certain circumstances, such as a facility outbreak, may necessitate that visitation be restricted on a case-by-case basis. Nursing homes must also continue following federal regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

• Director’s Amended Order to Permit Access to Ohio’s Nursing Homes, with Exceptions
• Director’s Amended Order to Permit Access to Ohio’s Residential Care Facilities, with Exceptions
• Director’s Amended Order for the Testing of the Residents and Staff of all Residential Care Facilities
• Director’s Amended Order for the Testing of the Residents and Staff of all Nursing Homes

For more information you can visit: Coronavirus.Ohio.gov