We recognize and understand the frustration of those currently searching for a vaccine appointment. Amid the challenging circumstances, we are continuing to do our best to keep you informed. Yesterday, officials from the Maryland Department of Health joined the County Council for a briefing on the vaccine rollout. Among other issues, we raised our concerns about the inequities with the State’s vaccine rollout, the confusion and inefficiency of the fragmented system, and the need for more predictability for planning purposes – for residents and local health departments. We continued our repeated push for more vaccine doses proportionate to our population, a mass vaccination site in Montgomery County, and a centralized registration process that is clear, consistent, and culturally competent.
In terms of the vaccine rollout thus far, as of Monday morning, 84,779 first doses and 18,258 second doses were administered in the County. This means approximately 8.5 percent of County residents have received their first dose and 2 percent have received their second. Last week, the number of vaccine doses distributed to all providers in the County, which includes retail pharmacies and hospitals, totaled 12,275 doses. Of that, the State gave Montgomery County Health Department 5,500 doses, less than half of the total amount. This week, that allotment from the State is going down to 4,500 new doses.
For this reason, our office continues to advise residents to use the State website where the State's partnerships with private entities are listed. Furthermore, the State has now opened mass vaccination sites so residents who are eligible under 1A through 1C, including residents 65 and older, should pre-register using these links below.
In case the State announces additional sites or appointments, you can sign up to receive their updates by texting ‘MdReady’ to 898-211.
Again, we recognize that currently the system and logistics are not ideal under this vaccine shortage. In the upcoming months, we look forward to additional vaccines coming to the market including the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which will be manufactured in Baltimore.
Last but not least, please be careful of scams related to the vaccine. Scammers know that folks are anxious to find available vaccine appointments so if anyone calls promising a vaccine appointment, do not give them your credit card information or sensitive personal information like your Social Security number. If you come across something concerning, please alert our County's Office of Consumer Protection.
Have Additional Questions?
- Please check the State's frequently asked questions as they were recently updated.
- You can call 211 or submit a question to the State using this website.
- CVS and Walgreens continue to conduct vaccination clinics at Maryland nursing homes and assisted living facilities. If you have a question about a specific facility, you can ask the Maryland Department of Health.
- If you have a question for the County, you can call the County COVID-19 helpline at 240-777-1755.
- Need help pre-registering with the County? A phone line has been established for individuals who do not have access to the internet or who need help preregistering for a vaccination. Residents can call 240-777-2982 for assistance.
Join us tonight at 7:00PM for our virtual town hall where you can ask your questions or to share your thoughts. Click the image to access our zoom registration link.
|
