Maryland Outpaces National COVID-19 Vaccination Rate

MARYLAND — More than 6 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Maryland and the state's key health metrics continue to decline. According to official CDC data, 69.1 percent of Maryland adults have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, outpacing the national rate (61.8%) and putting the state less than one point from reaching President Joe Biden’s goal of 70 percent of adults vaccinated by Independence Day. More than 88 percent of Maryland seniors have received at least one dose.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in Maryland have dropped below 400 for the first time since October 12, 2020. Hospitalizations have declined by nearly 70 percent since April 20. COVID-19 hospitalizations are at 399, including 101 ICU patients.

The state’s COVID-19 case rate has dropped under 5 per 100,00 people to 4.75—its lowest level since April 3, 2020. Overall, the case rate has dropped by 80 percent since April 14.

Maryland’s seven-day positivity rate fell to another new low—1.84 percent. Two jurisdictions have positivity rates below 1 percent: Montgomery (0.82%) and Howard (0.92%). Official data by jurisdiction is available at coronavirus.maryland.gov.

On Thursday, the Maryland Lottery will complete its third $40,000 drawing as part of the $2 million VaxCash promotion the governor announced last week. Marylanders who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to visit any one of thousands of distribution points across the state or directly schedule an appointment by visiting covidvax.maryland.gov. They also can call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

Friday in Ocean City, the governor will kick off the state’s GoVAX Summer Tour, which will bring mobile clinics and vaccine outreach to cultural and community events, bars and breweries, and popular destinations across the state.

Residents can get vaccinated without an appointment at six mass vaccination sites, as well. Walk-up vaccinations are open to all eligible Marylanders at these locations:

• M&T Bank Stadium (Pfizer), 1101 Russell St., Baltimore; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.*
• Baltimore Convention Center Field Hospital (Pfizer), 1 W Pratt St., Baltimore; Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon, for Baltimore City residents only
• Greenbelt Metro Station (Pfizer). 5717 Greenbelt Metro Dr., Greenbelt; Monday-Tuesday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesday-Thursday, 2 p.m.-6 p.m., and Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium (Moderna), 550 Taylor Ave., Annapolis; Wednesday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m.*
• Wicomico Civic Center (Pfizer), 500 Glen Ave., Salisbury; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Hagerstown Premium Outlets (Pfizer), 900 Premium Outlets Blvd., Hagerstown; Monday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

*Note that walk-ups will not be offered at these sites on the days of large sporting events.

State officials said walk-up times and vaccination capacity may vary from site to site and residents should be prepared to wait, depending on demand. If you need a second dose only, you may use walk-up lines. Only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for 16- and 17-year-olds.