Ohio's top health officials say it's time to get the COVID-19 booster. Here's how.

As the omicron variant spreads and the holidays loom, Northeast Ohio health officials say your best bet to stay safe is to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or get your booster.

If you're looking for a shot, most Northeast Ohio health systems and pharmacy chains recommend booking an appointment, although there are some walk-in options.

Anyone ages 5 and older is eligible to get the vaccine.

Booster shots for those who received Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are recommended six months after the second shot. Those who received Johnson & Johnson vaccines should get a booster two months after their shot.

Below is helpful information, links and phone numbers to help you schedule a shot for yourself or a loved-one. Check back. We will update this document as more information becomes available.

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic patients can schedule a vaccination or booster shot through their MyChart account or by calling the vaccination line at 216-448-4117. Walk-in vaccinesare also available at the Langston Hughes Health & Education Center 2390 E. 79th Street in Cleveland on Mondays from 7:30 a.m. to 12:25 p.m.

If you've got a primary care appointment on the books already, you can get your shot when you go, said a Cleveland Clinic spokesperson.

MetroHealth

MetroHealthclients can make an appointment on MyChart or call 216-778-6100 to make an appointment.

On Dec. 23, the system is hosting a booster clinic at 5398 Northfield Road in Maple Heights. The Moderna booster will be available and an appointment is required.

The system asks clients to bring identification with them when they come to their appointment. You do not have to be a MetroHealth client to schedule a vaccine at their facilities.  

Summit County Public Health 

Starting Jan. 5, Summit County Public Health will be offering appointments at vaccinations clinic at 1867 W. Market St. in Akron. The COVID-19 vaccines, including Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and on Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Walk-ins are not accepted. 

University Hospitals

Those in the University Hospital system can call 216-250-3691 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to schedule the vaccine. 

Vaccines and boosters are also available at a variety of pharmacies across Northeast Ohio.

Many, like CVS, recommend booking an appointment online. 

"There’s a bit of a questionnaire both for their initial series and for their booster," said a CVS spokesperson. 

That questionnaire allows customers to find locations with the appropriate vaccine and specify which type they’re looking for. 

Those work prefer to book by phone, can call 888-SHOP-CVS to make an appointment, said the pharmacy. 

Appointments are available 21 days out.

Some CVS pharmacies are taking walk-ins, but not all vaccine brands are available at all stores and neither are doses for children.

Also, walk-ins are available based on local demand – and demand is up, said CVS.

Vaccines and boosters are also available by appointment at Giant Eagle, RiteAid, and WalGreenspharmacies and others. 

Ohioans can also go to  gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov, which allows them to search for locations offering the shot including public health centers, pharmacies and vaccine clinics held at churches and other localities.