By Herald Staff

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health announced Wednesday that Hoosiers age 80 and older will be eligible to register for a free COVID-19 vaccine beginning Friday.

Individuals age 80 and older account for less than 4% of the state's population but represent more than 19% of the hospitalizations and more than half of the COVID-19 deaths in the state, according to ISDH.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box said vaccine supplies are still limited. Indiana has received just over 350,000 doses of vaccine to date and is scheduled to receive about 78,000 vaccines per week at this time.

"By opening vaccine to those who are 80 or older, then adding people in their 70s and 60s when vaccine supplies allow us to expand, we can best protect the populations that account for 93% of our COVID-19 deaths," Box said.

Hoosiers age 80 and older can register beginning at 9 a.m. Friday by going to ourshot.in.gov, searching for a nearby vaccine clinic and selecting an appointment time. Appointments may also be made by calling 211. A caregiver or loved one may make an appointment on behalf of an eligible senior.

At least one vaccine clinic will be located in each Indiana county.

Appointments for the second dose will be made at the clinic when the first dose is administered.

Additional groups, such as those based on underlying health conditions, will be added as vaccine becomes available. Updates will be posted at ourshot.in.gov.