BUCYRUS—Residents across the county who are 80 years old and over are in the process of receiving their vaccinations against COVID-19 and this week, the folks in the age 75 and older group are ready to get the first of their two shots of the vaccine.

According to Crawford County Public Health Commissioner Kate Siefert, appointments are being made for the next batch of 300 doses of the Moderna vaccine with appointment slots beginning on Monday for ages 70 and over.

“The total number of doses varies from week to week, as does the manufacturer.   During our Phase 1A, we were allocated 100 doses per week of Moderna. Last week, we received 100 doses of Moderna for 2nd round Phase 1A folks along with 480 doses of Pfizer for Phase 1B age 80 and over folks. Plus, we still had 100 doses of Moderna leftover from Phase 1A that we carried forward to use with the Phase 1B age 80 and over,” said Siefert. “We used it all.”

Here is the current schedule by age group for distribution of the vaccine:

The week of Jan. 19: Ohioans 80 years of age and older.

The week of Jan. 25: Ohioans 75 years of age and older; those with severe congenital or developmental disorders.

The week of Feb. 1: Ohioans 70 years of age and older; employees of K-12 schools that wish to remain or return to in-person or hybrid models.

The week of Feb. 8: Ohioans 65 years of age and older.

People with the following health issues can also obtain the vaccine during Phase 1B:

Siefert said that pre-registration is available to anyone, but Galion City Health Department staff will only be contacting eligible individuals as more vaccine becomes available.

She said that the best time to call to schedule an appointment is on Wednesday of the week before your age group will be able to receive the vaccine.

The vaccine is administered in two doses. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine’s second dose must be given within 21 days of receiving the first dose while the Moderna must be given within 28 days, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control).

“We have been assured by ODH (Ohio Department of Health) that second dose allocations will arrive separately from our first dose allocations,” said Siefert.

To make an appointment for the vaccine, call one of these seven locations in Crawford County:

Avita Bucyrus Hospital and Galion Community Hospitals at 419-468-0800

Crawford County Public Health at 419-562-5871

Bucyrus Health and Wellness at 419-834-8889

Galion City Health Department 419-468-1075

Discount Drug Mart in Galion at 844-625-0843

Kroger Pharmacy in Bucyrus at 866-211-5320

For more information, visit the CDC website.