As the COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues, it’s important to stay up to date on information. The Ohio Department of Health has the latest info for Ohio’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program. On their website, you can find frequently asked questions and myths versus facts, search for a vaccine provider near you, and more.
We’ve gathered information on registering for vaccines—which have no out-of-pocket cost—through local health departments and pharmacies, as well as details on what to expect when getting a vaccine.
Where to Register for a COVID-19 Vaccine
Local Health Departments
Stark County Health Department
- Register online at https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6151063/starkhealth
- Register by phone at 330-353-9010
- For updates on the Stark County’s vaccine rollout, visit their website
Canton City Public Health
- Register online at cantonhealth.org
- Register by phone at 330-451-6774
Massillon City Health Department
- Register online at massillonohio.gov/covid-19-vaccine-wait-list
Alliance City Health Department
- Find registration information for each phase of the rollout on the Alliance City Health Department website
Stark County Pharmacies
- Marcs: Register on their website
- Giant Eagle: Call your local store or register online
- Drug Mart: Call your local store or register online
- Walgreens: Register on their website
The Stark County Health Department also offers a downloadable PDF of pharmacies and health centers offering the vaccine.
What to Expect When Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
There are currently two safe and effective COVID-19 vaccinations available: one from Pfizer-BioNTech (95% effective) and one from Moderna (94% effective). The vaccines are given as two doses, both as a shot in the arm. So, once you’ve scheduled your first shot, you’ll be given instructions on how to schedule the second dose.
Neither vaccine will give you a live or weakened virus. Instead, they are both a messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine that teaches your immune system’s cells how to create antibodies to attack the coronavirus. This method creates immunity without the risk of illness. You may experience mild side effects similar to those with most vaccines—such as fever and/or chills, headache, fatigue, muscle or join pain, and nausea—but you won’t get COVID-19 directly from the vaccines.
It should be noted that clinical trials for the COVID-19 vaccines included a diverse selection of people. They included communities that not only have been historically under-represented in clinical research but also those most impacted by the pandemic. The following is from Ohio Department of Health:
“Approximately 42% of participants in Pfizer BioNTech’s worldwide clinical trials, and 37% of the Moderna participants, were from communities of color, which is similar to the diversity of the U.S. at large.
In addition, the clinical studies included participants older than age 65 (21% of Pfizer-BioNTech participants, 23% of Moderna participants); and people with high-risk chronic diseases that put them at increased risk of severe COVID-19 (46% of Pfizer-BioNTech participants, 42% of Moderna participants).
Children and pregnant or breastfeeding moms were not included in the clinical trials, so no data is available at this time on the safety of the vaccines for those populations. Trials with these groups are in progress or beginning soon.”
When you go to get vaccinated, be sure to wear a face mask and stay at least 6 feet away from others. Take identification with you that verifies your identity, name and age. Ohio Department of Health has a PDF with a list of acceptable forms of identification on their website. As we mentioned earlier, there are no out-of-pocket costs for vaccine recipients, but if you have health insurance, take that information as well.
After you receive your first dose, you will get a vaccine card and fact sheet. The card will say which vaccine you received, along with when and where it was done. Be sure to take it with you to your second vaccine appointment. It’s recommended to take a picture of the vaccine card to store on your phone just in case you lose or damage it.
As the vaccine rollout continues, and more people are eligible for the vaccine, locations and guidelines for availability may change. Be sure to access reliable sources, such as your health provider or Ohio Department of Health’s website, for current, accurate details. And, continue to follow health and safety guidelines, such as wearing a face mask, practicing social distancing, and washing your hands—even after receiving the vaccine.
If you’re looking for additional information, visit our COVID-19 resources page.
