Joint Unified Command Center holds meeting following announcement of Ohio’s Phase 1-B

ZANESVILLE – Phase 1-B will gradually vaccinate anyone aged 65 and older. Certain employees from schools that conduct at least some in-person learning will eventually be eligible for a vaccine as well. Starting the week of January 18th, vaccines will be provided by Kroger Pharmacy, Muskingum Valley Health Centers, Shriver’s Pharmacy, and the Zanesville – Muskingum County Health Department.

“We expect more vaccines, we have a plan all the way through to the general public on how we’re going to get it. There’ll be multiple sites – the Health Department, Genesis, multiple pharmacies, several primary care offices, MVHC, we still have multiple places. Right now, the sites are limited to five but that’s going to expand as more vaccines become available,” Muskingum County Health Dept. Medical Director Dr. Jack Butterfield said.

Dr. Butterfield says its very important for every person who is qualified to get vaccinated.

“We have so far had several measures we have tried to employ to try to get out of this pandemic – masks, social distancing, handwashing, cleaning surfaces. The biggest tool, the most effective tool in our toolbox is the vaccine because if we can prevent you from getting infected, then we get the majority of our population protected (and) then the likelihood of you encountering the virus if everyone else is protected when you’re out in public is very low. That’s when (masks) can come off. That’s why its important,” Butterfield said.

Starting January 20th, Genesis Healthcare’s vaccine clinic will be held at the former Elder Beerman store in the Colony Square Mall. Appointments are required by calling the Genesis COVID-19 hotline at 740-297-8610 beginning tomorrow.