Here’s who is now eligible

As the state prepares for its biggest COVID-19 vaccine shipment yet, Ohio has expanded the state’s eligibility requirements.Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new phase — known as 1C — which includes a handful of new priority groups. Those in this group will be eligible to receive the vaccine on Thursday.Also beginning Thursday, Phase 2 of Ohio’s vaccination program will begin, lowering the age of eligibility to 60 years of age.Those included in 1C include individuals working in child care services, funeral services and law enforcement and corrections officers, the governor said. In addition, anyone with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, bone marrow transplant recipients and those living with ALS are able to be vaccinated in the state of Ohio.All of these individuals are eligible in addition to the previous phases.Child care servicesThose working in child care services include administrators, lead and assistant teachers and substitutes enrolled in Ohio’s Professional Registry who are currently working in open child care and pre-Kindergarten programs. Licensing specialists employed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or county Job and Family Services agencies are also included.Funeral servicesEmbalmers/morticians, funeral home directors, crematory operators and apprenticesLaw enforcement and correctionsThis grouping includes sworn law enforcement officers and peace officers who have first responder or direct supervisory responsibilities. These individuals must be active duty (working a regular minimum 20 hours a week). This does not include retired, “special,” or reserve persons.Corrections staff are also eligible, including probation and parole staff who provided direct services to an adult or juvenile inmate or a court-supervised individual.Individuals who have a valid active firefighting certificate in the state of Ohio who are active members or employees of a recognized Ohio fire department. This does not include retired, emeritus or reserve individuals.

COLUMBUS, Ohio —

As the state prepares for its biggest COVID-19 vaccine shipment yet, Ohio has expanded the state’s eligibility requirements.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced a new phase — known as 1C — which includes a handful of new priority groups. Those in this group will be eligible to receive the vaccine on Thursday.

Also beginning Thursday, Phase 2 of Ohio’s vaccination program will begin, lowering the age of eligibility to 60 years of age.

Those included in 1C include individuals working in child care services, funeral services and law enforcement and corrections officers, the governor said. In addition, anyone with type 1 diabetes, pregnant women, bone marrow transplant recipients and those living with ALS are able to be vaccinated in the state of Ohio.

All of these individuals are eligible in addition to the previous phases.

Child care services

• Those working in child care services include administrators, lead and assistant teachers and substitutes enrolled in Ohio’s Professional Registry who are currently working in open child care and pre-Kindergarten programs. Licensing specialists employed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or county Job and Family Services agencies are also included.

Funeral services

• Embalmers/morticians, funeral home directors, crematory operators and apprentices

Law enforcement and corrections

• This grouping includes sworn law enforcement officers and peace officers who have first responder or direct supervisory responsibilities. These individuals must be active duty (working a regular minimum 20 hours a week). This does not include retired, “special,” or reserve persons.
• Corrections staff are also eligible, including probation and parole staff who provided direct services to an adult or juvenile inmate or a court-supervised individual.
• Individuals who have a valid active firefighting certificate in the state of Ohio who are active members or employees of a recognized Ohio fire department. This does not include retired, emeritus or reserve individuals.