On Sept. 28, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, along with Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, M.D., MBA, held a virtual press conference to discuss COVID-19.

They explained that in Ohio, two people die each day, on average, from COVID-19.

They further explained that people aged 65 years and older are most at risk of dying or having complications from COVID-19.

DeWine and Dr. Vanderhoff encouraged all Ohioans to get their updated COVID vaccine. Dr. Vanderhoff explained that the COVID-19 vaccine is available to everyone, regardless of their insurance status.

“If you have medical insurance, and that includes Medicare or Medicaid, vaccines should be covered as a preventive health service, which means you likely will have no out-of-pocket costs,” Dr. Vanderhoff has said. “Those without insurance can take advantage of several programs to ensure they can continue to get free vaccines, as well.”

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the updated vaccine, which has been formulated to better target the predominant variants currently circulating.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the vaccine for anyone age 6 months or older who had not received a vaccine in the past two months.

To stay up to date with the latest COVID-19 information in Ohio, visit https://odh.ohio.gov/know-our-programs/covid-19