Following final CDC approval, Governor Larry Hogan today announced the updated status of COVID-19 booster shot eligibility in the State of Maryland and the opportunity to mix and match vaccines. State health officials are strongly recommending that anyone with an underlying health condition or comorbidity get a booster shot as soon as possible.
“From day one of this crisis, our focus has always been on preventing hospitalizations and deaths, and these vaccines have all proven to be extremely effective at this,” said Governor Hogan. “However, the data we now have clearly does show that the level of protection does begin to wane over time, beginning after five or six months, especially for those who are immunocompromised, have comorbidities, and are most vulnerable. State health officials have issued an advisory strongly urging people with comorbidities to get a booster dose as soon as possible.”
Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Eligibility. Nearly 1.4 million Marylanders who fall into the following categories are currently eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot:
Guidance on COVID-19 Booster Eligibility. Nearly 1.4 million Marylanders who fall into the following categories are currently eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot:
Mix and Match. At the recommendation of both the FDA and CDC, eligible Marylanders can choose any vaccine as a booster shot, even if it is different from what they initially received.
Eligible Marylanders with Comorbidities Urged to Get Booster Immediately. With data showing an increase in the share of post-vaccination infections and deaths since May—the vast majority of which are linked to underlying conditions and comorbidities—state health officials have issued an advisory strongly urging people with comorbidities to get a booster dose as soon as possible.
More than half of the state’s COVID-19 deaths over the last month are linked to hypertension and diabetes. Cancer, obesity, and chronic lung disease are other leading comorbidities among COVID-19 deaths in Maryland. A full list of comorbidities and underlying medical conditions associated with higher risk of severe COVID-19 is available here.
COVID-19 Booster Outreach Operation and New Eligibility Portal. The State of Maryland has administered approximately 280,000 COVID-19 booster shots, and a vigorous outreach effort is underway for all Marylanders who are newly eligible.
To help Marylanders determine their eligibility for a COVID-19 booster, state health officials have launched a new portal on covidvax.maryland.gov where residents can enter their information and learn next steps.
The statewide call center continues to proactively contact all eligible Marylanders. More than 100,000 appointments for booster shots have already been scheduled.
Marylanders can visit covidvax.maryland.gov to find locations where boosters are available.
Next Steps on Vaccinating 5- to 11-Year-Olds. CDC authorization is anticipated as early as next week for 5- to 11-year-olds, which would make approximately 515,000 Maryland children immediately eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. Pfizer submitted data to the federal government showing that its vaccine is safe and 90.7% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 in children.
State health officials have begun placing orders for an initial 180,00 Pfizer doses for 5- to 11-year-olds, working in partnership with pediatricians, pharmacies, school systems, local health departments, and the Vaccine Equity Task Force.
As the weather begins to cool down and holiday gatherings are taken indoors, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has some important recommendations for reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Fall festivals, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas…holiday traditions are important to families and children. There are several ways to enjoy holiday traditions and protect your health. Because many generations tend to gather to celebrate holidays, the best way to minimize COVID-19 risk and keep your family and friends safer is to get vaccinated if you’re eligible.
Here are safer ways to celebrate the holidays:
Generally:
• Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination such as young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings if you are not fully vaccinated.
o Even those who are fully vaccinated should wear a mask in public indoor settings in communities with substantial to high transmission. Western Maryland and the surrounding West Virginia counties are all currently in the high transmission category.
Outdoors is safer than indoors.
o Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
o If you are sick or have symptoms, don’t host or attend a gathering.
o Get tested if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have a close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
Special considerations:
• People who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be fully protected even if they are fully vaccinated and have received an additional dose. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.
• You might choose to wear a mask regardless of the level of transmission if a member of your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated.
• If you are gathering with a group of people from multiple households and potentially from different parts of the country, you could consider additional precautions (e.g., avoiding crowded indoor spaces before travel, taking a test) in advance of gathering to further reduce risk.
• Do NOT put a mask on children younger than 2 years old.
If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. Visit
cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html for more information.
By working together, we can enjoy safer holidays, travel, and protect our own health as well as the health of our family and friends.
For information on local testing or vaccinations visit garretthealth.org or call the Garrett County Health Department at 301-334-7698.
There were Nine (9) New Cases reported in Grant County
October TOTAL —235
2,391 Total COVID Cases
• 2056 Confirmed Positive COVID cases
• 335 Probable COVID cases
• 2,263 Total Recovered
• 82 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 Covid vaccine has been approved for booster doses.
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
Walgreen’s Pharmacy 304-257-2072
You must bring your vaccine card with you.
CDC recommends the booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine 6 months or more after their initial series, for individuals
• age 65 or older
• age 18 or over with underlying medical conditions
• high risk exposure employment
or 2 months after Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (Grant County Health Department will not have Johnson and Johnson vaccine; however, if you want a booster of Moderna or Pfizer at least 2 mos. after Johnson and Johnson that will be available by appointment).
Grove St. Health Center will have Johnson and Johnson available.
It is recognized that some people may not prefer the vaccine type they originally received and may prefer to receive a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
Free Community COVID Testing
Petersburg City Parking Lot
Tuesdays 11-5 Fridays 11-3
COVID Testing By Appointment:
Grove Street Health Care Center 304-257-2451 or
Mt. Top Medical Center 304-693-7616.
