Giant Eagle to administer vaccine next week

Officials have released more details for Erie County’s rollout of novel coronavirus vaccines for residents that would be included in the state’s phase 1B group.

The week of Jan. 18, the county will receive 1,100 vaccines to specifically inoculate residents ages 80 and older, according to a news release.

Health officials will distribute Pfizer and Moderna vaccines throughout the county, with different vaccination locations to receive a shipment of one of the two vaccines.

Which type of vaccine a resident receives will depend on which location they go to, the release said.

The Erie County Health Department will receive 100 doses at its center at 420 Superior St. in Sandusky; Firelands Regional Health System will receive 100 doses at 1111 Hayes Ave. in Sandusky; Kroger Pharmacy at 226 E. Perkins Ave. in Sandusky will receive 200 doses; Giant Eagle Pharmacy at 4453 Liberty Ave. in Vermilion will receive 300 doses; and 400 doses will be sent to two Discount Drug Mart locations, with 3700 Milan Road in Sandusky, and 420 Cleveland Road in Huron, each receiving 200 doses.

“If we want to have parades and festivals in Vermilion, it starts on getting vaccines.” — Mayor Jim Forthofer

Mayor Jim Forthofer said any Vermilion resident can utilize any Erie County location to get vaccinated, regardless of whether they live in Erie County or Lorain County.

Getting as many people as possible vaccinated in the city will allow summer festivities and other normal events in Vermilion to resume more quickly, Forthofer said.

“If we want to have parades and festivals in Vermilion, it starts on getting vaccines,” he said.

Some of the first Vermilion locals, and the city’s first employees, to get vaccinated were members of the Vermilion police and fire departments, which started about two weeks ago, the mayor said.

Once those residents age 65 and older are permitted to receive the vaccination, Forthofer said he will not hesitate to get registered.

“As soon as that comes up, I’ll be in line,” he said.

How to register

For the Erie County Health Center and Firelands locations, residents can complete registration online at www.coviderieohio.com.

Those eligible to receive the vaccine will be contacted by a staff member to inform the patient of necessary documents for the appointment, which will be made based on vaccine availability and priority group status.

For those without internet access or having issues registering online, appointments can be made by phone through an automated phone system at 567-867-8222, the release said.

Those able to register online should not call the phone system.

For the Kroger location, appointments can be made online at www.kroger.com/ ohiocovidvaccine or on the phone help line at 866-2115320.

The help line will be available starting Jan. 16.

Information for those looking to get vaccinated at the Giant Eagle location can be found at www.gianteagle.com/covidvaccine.