COLUMBUS, Ohio — As the state expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to people with obesity, a BMI of 30 or more will be required to get the shot, officials said Wednesday.
Medical professionals warn there is strong potential for developing COVID-19 complications in those who are considered medically obese.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Having obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) between 30 kg/m2 and <40 kg/m2 or severe obesity (BMI of 40 kg/m2 or above), increases your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Having overweight, defined as a BMI > 25 kg/m2 but less than 30 kg/m2 might increase your risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Some states have expanded vaccine eligibility to residents with a BMI 25 or above, but Ohio is opting with the higher cutoff, Ohio Department of Health spokesperson Alicia Shoults told Spectrum News 1. “The CDC defines obesity as having a BMI as 30 or higher,” Shoults said.
Vaccine providers are now registering people with five medical conditions for appointments beginning Friday: Obesity, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and heart disease.
There are about 766,000 people in this expansion, which is Phase 1E.
According to Ohio’s guidance to vaccine providers for this phase, providers should get verbal confirmation a patient has a qualifying medical condition, or the patient may check a box stating they have an eligible medical condition in a screening or registration form.
The state is also expanding eligibility on Friday to all residents 40 and older when vaccinations begin for Phase 2C, about 818,000 people.
Patients who contract the virus and are obese have a much higher likelihood of becoming hospitalized, winding up in the ICU, or dying, according to medical experts.
