Updated COVID-19 shots available

FINDLAY — Updated COVID-19 vaccinations are now being administered at retail pharmacies in Findlay and will soon be given at Hancock Public Health. CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, Kroger and Meijer pharmacies in Findlay are currently taking appointments for vaccinations. Appointments can also be made over the phone. Cost for vaccinations is determined by insurance coverage. The mRNA 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the FDA in late August. "The FDA has approved the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccination under the emergency use authorization," said Laura Reinhart, director of community health services at HPH. "Currently, we are booking appointments for COVID vaccines. We are waiting for the state to get our standing order before we're allowed to administer them." Reinhart expects HPH can begin administering the vaccine within a few days. "They did not give us a solid start date, but they had mentioned that in a few days they were hoping to get the orders out," she said. Vaccination appointments can be made at HPH by calling the nursing line at 419-424-7441. JN.1 is currently the dominant COVID-19 strain in the United States, Reinhart said. Variants of this strain are "KP.2, KP.2.3, KP.3 and KP.3.1.1, as well as LB.1," according to a report from Infectious Diseases Society of America. Influenza vaccines are also available at retail pharmacies and HPH. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and the flu at the same appointment. "We're not only going to be offering clinics here at the brick and mortar health department, but we're going out to the county during this flu and COVID season. We highly recommend people come out to our clinics," Reinhart said. "We're making it as easy as ever to come out and get your vaccinations." Below are dates and times of upcoming clinics: Sept. 24: Marion Township House Drive Thru Clinic from 3-6 p.m. The Marion Township House is located at 16003 St. Rte. 568 in Findlay. Sept. 28: Hancock County Fairgrounds Drive Thru Clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Hancock County Fairgrounds are located at 1017 E. Sandusky St. in Findlay. Oct. 1: McComb Village Park from 3-5 p.m. McComb Park is located at 201 E. Main St. in McComb. Oct. 10: Good Hope Church from 3-5pm. Good Hope Church is located at 300 S. Main St. in Arlington. Oct. 12: 50 North from noon to 2:30 p.m. 50 North is located at 201 E. Main St. in Findlay. Oct. 12: Van Buren Apple Butter Festival, time TBA. The Van Buren Apple Butter Festival will be held at Van Buren Local Schools, 17 S. Main St., Van Buren. Oct. 21: Liberty-Benton Schools from 3-5:30 p.m. Liberty-Benton Schools are located at 9190 County Road 9 in Findlay. Bring identification and insurance card. Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian for immunizations. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 and up receive the updated COVID-19 vaccination.