Stark County seniors line up to get first COVID vaccine

PLAIN TWP. At least an hour before the first shot was even ready, folks began arriving at the Stark CountyBoard of Developmental Disabilities headquarters eager to get the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Stark County Health Department scheduled the 420 doses — each going to someone 80 years old or older — for fixed times throughout the day. That didn't stop people from arriving early to secure a place in line.

Mary Powell, 87, of Jackson Township, was the first to go, rolling up the sleeves of her purple blouse and baring her shoulder for nurse Shannon Gahagan.

Powell expected the shot to hurt. She'd watched others get the vaccine on TV and noticed how large the needle looked. But she didn't feel anything at all.

"I just felt grateful," she said afterward, sitting in an observation area where people are watched over by medical professionals just in case there's an adverse reaction.

Powell has missed seeing her friends, a group of women who go to SilverSneakers classes at the YMCA and out to restaurants. They've stayed in touch by phone, but she's had to stay home alone for months, she said.

Getting the vaccine is a step closer to being able to go out again, she said.

"I think everyone should get it," she said. "We have to get rid of the pandemic."

Lori Shaheen, Powell's daughter, brought Powell and mother-in-law Peggy Shaheen to the vaccine appointment.

"It means a lot. They've been stuck at home," she said.

Shaheen's husband is a doctor and he hasn't been able to see his mother much at all, she said.

"We're excited," she said.

Ohio is rolling out phase 1-B of vaccination based on age.

Ohioans 80 and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine this week.

Next week, people 75 and older and those with both physical and intellectual disabilities and medical conditions will have their turn.

People 70 and older and school staff are eligible starting Feb. 1.

People 65 and older are eligible starting Feb. 8.

People with certain medical conditions who are not also physically or intellectually disabled are eligible for the vaccine the week of Feb. 15.

The vaccine is free.

Local health departments are making appointments for vaccine clinics for those eligible based on age.

Stark is served by four health departments and you'll need to contact the one in your area for a vaccine appointment.

The Stark County Health Department serves residents of Bethlehem Township, Canton Township, Jackson Township, Lake Township, Lawrence Township, Lexington Township, Marlboro Township, Nimishillen Township, Osnaburg Township, Paris Township, Perry Township, Pike Township, Plain Township, Sandy Township, Sugar Creek Township, Tuscarawas Township, Washington Township, Beach City, Brewster, East Canton, Hartville, Hills and Dales, Magnolia, Meyers Lake, Minerva, Navarre, Waynesburg, Wilmot, Canal Fulton, Louisville and North Canton.

Stark County: call 330-353-9010 or register online at <a href="https://t.co/c0Ntvr8ayq" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-family: "Open Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">StarkHealth.org. Canton Public Health: Canton residents can call 330-451-6774 or register online at CantonHealth.org. Massillon City Health Department: Call 330-830-1710 or 330-830-1714. City residents age 80 and older can call the vaccine registration hotline starting at 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21. Residents 75 and older can call the hotline after 2 p.m.Alliance City Health Department: Clinics at the Alliance Senior Center are full. As of Jan. 20, the health department has not released information about any future clinics.

The vaccine also is available at Giant Eagle, Marcs and Discount Drug Mart pharmacies, as well as some medical offices.

You can see a complete list of vaccine providers online at vaccine.coronavirus.ohio.gov.

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Stark County surpassed 25,000 total COVID-19 cases Tuesday.

Stark reported 25,262 cases on Wednesday, up 169 cases from Tuesday, according to preliminary data from the Ohio Department of Health.

The county also reported seven new hospitalizations (1,457 total) and nine new deaths (428 total). A total of 20,422 people in Stark County are presumed to have recovered from the virus.

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Reach Jessica at 330-580-8322 or jessica.holbrook@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @jholbrookREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Stark County seniors line up to get first COVID vaccine

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