Family Health, Ohio Dept. of Health, refuse to release report
State, local health officials withhold corrective action plan in vaccine mishap
SANDUSKY — Neither the Ohio Department of Health nor Family Health Services has released a corrective action plan tied to a breakdown in vaccine storage and handling — despite multiple requests and no cited legal reason for withholding it.
The Ohio Department of Health confirmed in August that “a temperature monitoring issue” at the Family Health Services may have compromised the effectiveness of vaccines administered between Oct. 1, 2024, and Feb. 2, 2025.
“Due to the lack of available temperature monitoring data from the location, certain vaccines administered … were designated less effective or ineffective,” wrote Tony Gottschlich, a public information officer at ODH, in response to a public records request from StayTunedSandusky.
Gottschlich acknowledged that ODH issued a corrective action letter to Family Health Services on May 2, requiring the clinic to “provide staff education, submit a revised vaccine management plan, and notify patients of the potential need for revaccination.”
Parents and the school district, which has a a contract with Family Health Services to provide in school clinics for students — were not told there was any problem until late August, however, months later.
There’s been no explanation from the state health department or from Family Health Services CEO David Tatro why there was a delay in informing families and the district.
Neither ODH nor Family Health Services has released the corrective action plan, or explained why they are withholding it. Under Ohio law, specifically Ohio Revised Code §149.43, corrective action plans issued by state agencies are considered public records. To date, neither agency has cited an exemption under the statute.
ODH, in its written response, said only that it “continues to work with Family Health Services – to assure compliance with VFC standards and to help promote access to safe and effective vaccines within Ohio communities.”
Family Health Services has not responded to questions about the corrective action plan or whether it has fulfilled the requirements outlined by ODH.
That leaves parents and patients — some of whom may need to be revaccinated — without access to the full picture of what went wrong, how the clinic is addressing it, and how state regulators are ensuring it does not happen again.
What Ohio Law Says About Public Records
Ohio’s public records law — Ohio Revised Code §149.43 — is often referred to as the “Sunshine Law.” It requires public agencies, including state departments and local governments, to make their records available to the public upon request.
The law is built on a simple principle: all records are public unless a specific exemption applies.
Exemptions are narrow and spelled out in the statute. They include things like ongoing criminal investigations, certain medical privacy protections, or information deemed confidential by federal law. Agencies are required to cite the specific exemption if they withhold a record.
In this case, the Ohio Department of Health has confirmed that a corrective action plan exists, but has not provided it and has not cited any exemption under the law. Without a valid exemption, withholding the document appears to be a violation of the Sunshine Law.
For patients, parents, and the public, the corrective action plan is not just paperwork — it’s a roadmap showing how state regulators are holding health providers accountable and ensuring safe vaccines for children.
What You Can Do If You’re Affected
If your child received vaccines at Family Health Services – Hayes between October 1, 2024, and February 2, 2025, the Ohio Department of Health has determined some doses may have been less effective or ineffective due to a temperature monitoring issue.
Here are steps you can take:
Check your records. Review your child’s vaccine dates. If they fall within this time frame, contact your healthcare provider.
Ask about revaccination. ODH required Family Health Services to notify patients of the issue. If you haven’t received a notice, you can still ask your provider whether revaccination is recommended.
Contact ODH directly. The Ohio Department of Health can be reached at 1-877-Ohio-Health (1-877-644-6624) for information.
Know your rights. Under Ohio’s public records law, the corrective action plan should be public. If you believe information is being withheld, you may contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office or the Ohio Court of Claims Public Records Unit.
Your child’s safety is the priority, and you deserve access to clear information.