"We've been playing defense for the last almost year in this pandemic and now with the vaccine we get to play offense," says Mahoning County Health Commissioner Ryan Tekac,

But the offense is off to a slower start than many would like.
Tekac says Mahoning County is still working through Phase 1A recipients.
The first shipment of Moderna vaccine has arrived for that group, and the health department has started to schedule clinics, including at two congregate care facilities. But Tekac's office has gotten a lot of calls from folks in groups down the line asking about their turn.

"As we start to receive more information from the Ohio Department of Health and also as we start to receive more of the vaccine, we will be putting out a number of press releases and updates on our social media pages and web pages as to when those clinics will begin for Phase 1B," Tekac said Monday.

Police will likely be included in Phase 1B, along with adults working in schools and folks aged 65 and older. That guidance is determined by who's most at risk of encountering someone who has COVID.

As for when that phase will begin, Tekac said "really what it comes down to is how much vaccine is available and when do we receive it."

He says the volume of calls from people asking about the vaccine is encouraging, and demonstrates growing public trust.

"It gives us hope...we appreciate that the community wants to be vaccinated, granted it's their choice," said Tekac. "We encourage them to receive this vaccine."

But until there's both more supply and guidance - his message is simple.

"Sit tight," he said, adding that no matter what vaccination group you're in, masking and social distancing are still a must. He's also concerned about another surge in cases in the coming weeks after Christmas and New Year's.