In a press conference Tuesday, Governor Hogan announced that six more mass vaccination sites will open in Maryland by mid-April, doubling the number of existing sites as the state prepares for a significant increase in vaccine supply from the federal government. Currently, 70.4% of Marylanders aged 65 and older have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 33.8% of Marylanders aged 18 and older have received their first dose. The Governor expressed his intent to expand vaccinations, saying
“We have over 2,500 points of distribution and will grow by hundreds more to over 3,000, adding hundreds of doctors’ offices and pharmacies in addition to expanding the reach of community clinics through our equity task force operation…I want to once again strongly encourage all Marylanders to please get vaccinated when it is your turn.”
Governor Hogan announced that the state will partner with local jurisdictions to add vaccine locations, including:
- The Timonium Fairgrounds site in Baltimore County (in early April)
- Montgomery College in Germantown
- Frederick County and Anne Arundel County (in mid-April)
- Howard County and Harford County (in late April)
- The Hagerstown Premium Outlets (this Thursday)
The Governor also announced that all disabled Marylanders aged 16 and older will be included in Phase 2B, which begins next Tuesday, March 30 (Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities are included in Phase 1B of vaccine distribution). According to the Maryland Department of Health, this will include:
- all Marylanders aged 16 and older with disabilities receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits
- Maryland Medicaid Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) individuals
- Maryland Medicaid Rare and Expensive Case Management (REM) recipients
- Marylanders receiving Temporary Disability Assistance Program (TDAP) benefits
- Marylanders receiving long term services and supports through the state’s Medicaid waiver and state plan services
As of now, more than 150,000 people have preregistered for vaccine appointments at the existing mass vaccination sites. Maryland residents aged 60 and older, with qualifying existing health conditions, and/or with disabilities can sign up on the state waiting list by applying at covidvax.maryland.gov or calling 855-MD-GOVAX (855-634-6829).
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