MIAMI VALLEY, Ohio (WKEF/WRGT)– In a matter of days, the largest numbers of COVID-19 vaccinations will be administered across Ohio.
The state is asking for all hands-on deck as residents 80 and older get in line to get the shot starting Tuesday.
Medical Reserve Corp volunteers will play a key role to help with vaccinations, and Kettering dentist Dr. Anna McGuire is answering the call.
Dr. McGuire works at Stonecreek Dental. She’s cared for patients the entire pandemic by seeing those who needed emergency care when other dentists were closed.
Now she’s teaming up with health care professionals across the state to help protect her community.
“We just got the email Friday, and so as soon as I got that email it wasn’t even a second thought,” said Dr. McGuire. “I feel like I need to volunteer.”
In Clark County, Health Commissioner Charles Patterson said they already have Medical Reserve Corp members assisting them.
“In fact, we’ve had two vaccinators, a nurse and a doctor who have been helping us for the past month,” said Patterson.
Patterson said those giving the shots are nurses, doctors and medical assistants.
“All the other folks would be supporting the system, rather it’s through data, rather it’s through moving people, all important roles,” said Patterson.
Clark County Combined Health District is preparing to vaccinate residents 80 and older.
“We look forward to vaccinating over a thousand people next week,” Patterson said.
With about three times the number of workers needed to pull this off, the extra hands are more crucial than ever.
“It’s not the health department, it’s the entire community that’s responding here,” said Patterson.
The state will open vaccinations to those 75 and older on January 25, 70 and up on February 1 and 65 and older on February 8.
This leaves Dr. McGuire with the feeling to help on a personal level as well.
“I have my father and my stepmother who are both in the 70 to 75 age categories,” said Dr. McGuire. “I want to see them protected. I don’t want them to be stuck in a house or not being able to visit with us.”
The Medical Reserve Corp is open to physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy interns, emergency medical technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, optometrists, respiratory care professionals and veterinarians.
Requirements to register include:
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must comply with any training requirements of the group(s) you join.
- Must ensure profile information is up to date at all times (contact numbers, professional license, etc.)
- Must complete all required fields when filling out the application.
- Must complete the short Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Orientation linked to the application.
- For more information and details on how to sign-up online visit Ohio Responds.
- Patterson said Clark County still has slots available for those 80 and older to get the vaccine next week.
- The health district will be taking calls to register people again Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- That number is 937-717-2439. You can also register online.
- Patterson said at this time, appointments are available for Wednesday And Thursday.
For more information visit the health district’s website.
Article author: Danielle Malagarie
Originally published in: Dayton 247 Now (Website)