The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a CDC group of medical and public health experts tasked with developing guidance for the use of vaccines, is meeting Wednesday and Thursday this week to discuss recommendations for booster doses of Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines. A decision is expected later this week. Booster doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine have been available to specific populations since late September.
The COVID-19 case rate in Allegany County continues to exceed the statewide average, hovering at over twice the number of cases per 100,000 people. Meanwhile, the vaccination rate in the county remains one of the lowest in the state. As of October 19, 46.1% of Allegany County residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared to the Maryland state average of 65.7%.
Free COVID-19 vaccines are available locally at pharmacies, urgent care clinics, pediatric offices, and some primary care providers. Allegany County Health Department continues to offer COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesdays at the Willowbrook Office Complex, 12501 Willowbrook Road, Cumberland. Vaccinations are free and no appointment is needed. From 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccines are offered. From 1 to 4:00 p.m., Pfizer vaccines are offered for those age 12 and older, including booster doses for eligible adults. Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Free drive-thru COVID testing continues at the Allegany County Fairgrounds on Mondays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can pre-register for testing by going to health.maryland.gov/allegany and clicking on the testing pre-registration link under “COVID-19 Information” on the right side of the page.
Allegany County COVID-19 Case Statistics as of October 19:
- New COVID Cases: 37 (cumulative total 9,598)
- Additional Deaths: 2 (cumulative total 244)
- Cases Per 100,000 Population: 38.75 (Maryland: 14.11)
- Positivity Rate: 7.77% (Maryland: 3.36%)
There were Eight new cases reported in Grant County.
October TOTAL —181
2,337 Total COVID Cases
- 2002 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
- 335 Probable COVID cases
- 2,222 Total Recovered
- 76 Active Cases uncertain how many hospitalized as some have transferred, and some have not been able to be reached.
- 35 Deaths listed as COVID related
MODERNA Boosters have been approved by the FDA but we must wait for approval and eligibility guidelines from the CDC. We will publish info when boosters will be available for Moderna vaccine.
There is no guidance for boosters for Johnson and Johnson vaccine at the present time.
Pfizer Boosters approved for those that had primary Pfizer series at least 6 months ago and are:
- age 65 or older
- age 18 or over with underlying medical conditions
- high risk exposure employment
You must bring your COVID vaccine card
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY:
Grant County Health Department call 304-257-4922
Grove Street Health Center 304-257-2451
Mt. Top Medical Health Center 304-693-7616
Judy’s Drug Store 304-257-1044
Pfizer Vaccine available for all age 12 yrs. and older
or Moderna for anyone age 18 or older
Grant County Health Department
Call 304-257-4922
Call Mt. Storm Health Center for more information on their COVID vaccine availability and dates
Call 304-693-7616
Please, if you have any symptoms such as a sore throat, nasal congestion, headache, body aches, loss of taste or smell or stomach upset, get tested early. This COULD be the onset of COVID and if positive, consult with your care provider for advice on treatment which may prevent severe complications. Your provider may order antibody infusions if determined you are at risk.
Free Community COVID Testing
Petersburg City Parking Lot
Tuesdays 11-5 Fridays 11-3
Testing By Appointment:
Grove Street Health Care Center 304-257-2451 or
Mt. Top Medical Center 304-693-7616.
The Garrett