INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana health officials held an in-person and virtual meeting 11 a.m. Friday to discuss COVID-19 vaccination updates and the virus’ current effect on Hoosiers.
Indiana State Health Commissioner Dr. Kristina Box and Chief Medical Officer Lindsay Weaver led the meeting, discussing new variants of the virus and vaccination policies. As of Friday, 5,203 total variant cases had been reported to the Indiana Department of Health.
Indiana residents ages 12 and up are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine; however individuals 18 and younger are only eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. According to Box, the state believes residents 12 and younger will be eligible for vaccination sometime between Sept. and Dec. of this year and that Pfizer will likely be the first one available.
“Studies are still ongoing right now,” Weaver said. “We are hoping for early fall.”
Box said that overall Indiana’s vaccination are poor compared to the rest of the country with under 3 million individuals fully vaccinated. She also said the lack of people getting vaccinated in rural areas in comparison to suburban and urban areas is concerning but that the health department will continue education efforts.
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” Box said. “With some people it is just a matter of time.”
The Indiana Department of Health announced Thursday 463 Indiana residents have received a COVID-19 diagnosis through testing at state and private laboratories, bringing total cases to 756,625. The department also announced 16 additional deaths making the total 13,482.
To find your nearest vaccination clinic, go to https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211.
