The latest COVID-19 vaccines are slowly rolling out to Central Ohio health care providers — and while the situation isn't as hectic as the early pandemic, you may need to search a bit for availability.

Why it matters: COVID-related hospitalizations have continued rising throughout September as new variants of the virus emerge.

• Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and complications, but only 16.5% of Ohioans were up-to-date on their shots as of Aug. 31.

How it works: The new shots are formulated to fight the most recently circulating COVID strains, similar to the annually updated flu vaccine.

• Anybody age 6 months or older is eligible to receive the updated shot.
• If you were recently infected, the CDC recommends waiting three months.

Pro tip: The updated shot is the only one the CDC is now recommending. That means if a local provider, like a pharmacy, is currently scheduling COVID vaccination appointments, you'll receive the updated shot.

Zoom in: We found appointments for this week at area CVS, Walmart and Walgreens locations. As of yesterday, Kroger wasn't offering any yet.

• Columbus Public Health has a limited number of free shots available at walk-in vaccination clinics, but they're only for people without health insurance, a spokesperson tells us.
• Franklin County Public Health isn't offering the new shot yet, but hopes to have an update by the end of the week.
• If you have insurance, the health departments recommend getting vaccinated at a pharmacy or doctor's office until more shots become available. Most plans will cover it at no cost.

Of note: Since it's nearly flu season, it's possible to get both vaccines together.

The big picture: COVID hospitalizations across Ohio are the highest they've been since April, which means a wintertime spike could already be ramping up.

• Many of you told us last month that you know somebody who's recently contracted the virus and, just last week, Gov. Mike DeWine tested positive again.

💭 Alissa's thought bubble: I got a booster on Sunday as a precaution before I travel by plane next month.

• I'm happy to report I had minimal side effects — just mild arm soreness — and the process took only a few minutes.

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Whether you're a bodybuilder, a competitive truck driver or a really big Pikachu fan, the Greater Columbus Convention Center is one of the best exhibition spaces for you.

Driving the news: Columbus ranks No. 11 on a new Wall Street Journal list of America's top convention centers.

What they did: WSJ considered the quality and quantity of exhibition space along with each center's surroundings.

• Top scores went to those located near an airport and within proximity to restaurants, entertainment venues, hotels and a dry cleaner.

What's next: Summer is the busiest time for major expos, but there are a few more set for 2023:

• 🔥 Firehouse Expo: training and networking for firefighters, now-Friday.
• 💅 Premiere Columbus: a beauty industry trade show, Oct. 8-9.
• 👰 Bridal & Wedding Expo: to help plan your big day, Nov. 5.
• 🕹 GalaxyCon: a comic-con with celebrity stars and games, Dec. 1-3.

🎼 Stephen Caracciolo, the new Columbus Symphony Chorus director, hopes to summon "heart-melting moments" from its volunteer singers. (Columbus Monthly)

🚌 State lawmakers are considering a bill to require seat belts on school buses following a deadly crash in Clark County last month.

• Central Ohio Rep. Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) is a co-sponsor. (House of Representatives)

🗳 Only a small percentage of potential voter fraud cases referred by Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose have resulted in charges. (Ohio Capital Journal)

👋 Hello! Editor Lindsey Erdody here with a confession: Up until recently, I had never tried Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

• I have never lived in Ohio, though, so I get a pass, right?

Driving the news: On a recent trip to Columbus, my hotel was only a block away from the Short North Jeni's, so I had to see what all the hype was about.

What I tried: The trio with three half scoops in a waffle bowl with Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks, Gooey Butter Cake and Darkest Chocolate ($7, plus $1.50 for the bowl).

Quick take: The combination was fantastic, but the Salted Peanut Butter with Chocolate Flecks was the star of the show with the perfect amount of salty, peanut butter and chocolate flavor.

• Apparently, President Biden likes that flavor, too.

Yes, but: It was delicious, but I'm a little baffled by the obsession some people have.

The bottom line: I'd go again, and maybe even buy a pint, but I don't feel deprived living in Indianapolis, where Jeni's does not have a store.

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