Omicron booster rollout has been slow in Ohio - Axios ColumbusLog InLog InAxios Columbus is an Axios company.

Omicron booster rollout has been slow in Ohio

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios Demand for Omicron boosters is off to a slow start. What's happening: Just over have received a dose of the updated COVID-19 shots — called bivalent vaccines — since they .That's about 3.25% of Ohioans who are age eligible to receive the shot.More than 75% of updated booster recipients are 50 and older. Why it matters: Health experts say the boosters could provide extra protection from serious illness heading into the fall. The latest: COVID cases have dropped 41% over the past three weeks and hospitalizations by 31%, . Yes, but: A recent uptick in the U.K. has some experts worried another wave will hit the U.S. later this fall, . Between the lines: The expedited way in which the shots were rolled out and unknowns on how well they'll work have left many Americans leery and full of questions, "" could also be a factor.Plus many who were already infected with Omicron or got an earlier version of the booster over the summer may be waiting to . Zoom out: More than 7.5 million people nationwide have received updated boosters so far — less than 4% of those eligible, . Zoom in: Columbus Public Health will begin offering drive-thru clinics this week to make it even more convenient to get boosted, a spokesperson tells Axios. What they're saying: Booster uptake increased 28% between Sept. 19-28 compared to 10 days prior, so state health officials are "hopeful that the number of recipients will continue to increase," an Ohio Department of Health spokesperson tells Axios over email. What we're watching: Pfizer and BioNTech are now seeking emergency use authorization from the FDA for its Omicron-specific booster for children ages 5-11, .The shot is currently only available for those 12 and older. Moderna's version is for those 18 and up. Alissa's thought bubble: After in late May, I'm waiting just a bit longer before getting my new booster and flu shot together. Only one round of (potential) side effects! Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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