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Vax-2-School still on hold

The state remains in a holding pattern as to when it’s going to start its Vax-2-School scholarship drawings, which is designed to have more Ohioans between the ages of 12 and 25 get the COVID-19 vaccines.

“A deadline to enter and drawing dates have not been announced,” the Ohio Department of Health wrote in a Wednesday email. The ODH “and the Ohio Lottery Commission will share those details in the weeks ahead.”

One issue causing a delay is the state wants to open Vax-2-School to those as young as 5 if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allows the Pfizer vaccine to be given to those between that age and 11, according to the ODH.

The FDA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are to have meetings on Tuesday and Nov. 2-3, respectively, to discuss that vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds.

ODH wrote it “has informed providers that they should be ready to vaccinate children 5 to 11 years old shortly after FDA authorization is granted and the CDC makes its recommendations.”

As of Wednesday, 80,000 Ohioans between 12 and 25 have signed up for the $2 million in scholarships, according to the ODH, even though they have been able to register since Oct. 4 and the program was announced Sept. 23.

To sign up, go online ohiovax2school.com or call 833-427-5634.

The awards could be used for Ohio colleges and universities as well as for career or technical education and job training.

Only 42.87 percent of Ohioans between the ages of 12 and 17 at least have started the COVID-19 vaccination process as of Wednesday, according to the ODH. In comparison, 66.28 percent of those at least 18 years of age in the state at least have started getting vaccinated, according to the ODH.

Mahoning County Public Health has a Pfizer booster vaccination clinic 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch) Friday at the Austintown Senior Center, 112 Westchester Drive. People must make appointments online at mahoninghealth.org or call 330-270-2855, Extension 185.

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