Ohio University’s Athens campus will be a distribution location in January 2021 for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for frontline health care workers.
Individuals in Phase 1A of Ohio’s vaccination plan — including health care workers who are regularly in contact with COVID-19 patients and EMS responders — will be able to receive their vaccine in clinics held by the Athens City-County Health Department in the new Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine building, Heritage Hall, according to a university news release.
The hall was chosen because of its size, location and ample parking, according to the release.
“I can think of no better way to christen our building than utilizing it as part of the historic efforts to eradicate the global pandemic,” Kenneth Johnson, OU’s chief Medical Affairs officer and HCOM executive dean, said in the release.
The vaccine is also being distributed to those eligible for the state’s first phase at other locations in Athens, including at OhioHealth O’Bleness Hospital, according to a previous Post report.
The state of Ohio also announced Phase 1B for vaccination, which includes those over 65 who are at a higher risk, those with developmental or cognitive disorders who are at a higher risk and school staff, with the aim of reopening Ohio public schools by March 2021, according to a press release from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.
Jack Pepper, administrator of the Athens County Health Department, said in a previous Post report he expects vaccines to go out to OU students in spring 2021.
