MD Reaches COVID Vaccine Milestone, J&J Shots Arrive This Week

MARYLAND — More than 40 percent of Marylanders age 65 and up have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine — Gov. Larry Hogan said Monday — a milestone for a state with one of the worst vaccine rollouts in the nation.

"We continue to follow the science and make vaccinating older Marylanders one of our highest priorities as we work to ensure equitable access to vaccines," the Republican governor said. "This will continue to be a long process, but we anticipate more supply coming that will help us increase this pace even further."

Maryland, which is home to more than 6 million people, ranks 36th in the United States for vaccination rates, according to The New York Times.

Overall, the state has administered 1,332,588 doses of the vaccine — 858,577 were first doses and 474,011 were second doses.

As of Monday, Hogan said the state is averaging a new record of 35,072 shots per day.

Since its outbreak emerged in March 2020, Maryland has recorded 382,702 COVID-19 cases and 7,697 deaths.

Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Rollout

Hogan also announced on Monday that the state will begin deploying the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine this week.

The state has only received 49,600 doses so far. All of them will be sent to providers this week, according to health officials.

"The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is safe, effective, and made right here in Maryland," Hogan said. "Our plan is to get this vaccine into the community right away and right into arms so that we can continue increasing our vaccination rate."

The news comes two days after the U.S. Food and Drug formally approved the company's vaccine. It's the third COVID-19 vaccine to roll out for use in the U.S.

"In preparing for the allocation of J&J vaccines, federal officials have advised states that 'persons may receive any recommended COVID-19 vaccine and are encouraged to receive the earliest available COVID-19 vaccine,' state officials said in a statement. "Additionally, 'a single-dose vaccine may be desirable for people who want to complete their immunization schedule quickly, do not want to return for a second dose, or have difficulty returning for a second dose.'"

Where To Get A Vaccine Appointment

Maryland is currently in Phase 1C of its vaccination plan, which includes:

• Adults 65 years and older
• Essential workers in lab services
• Food/agriculture production
• U.S. Postal Service
• Public mass transit
• Grocery store employees
• Cancer patients in active treatment
• Individuals currently being treated in a hospital and diagnosed with COPD, diabetes, and sickle cell disease
• Veterinarians and support staff

(A more comprehensive list of eligible residents can be found here).

Vaccinations are being offered through the county, the state, and multiple hospitals.

While the state is in Phase 1C, some jurisdictions are playing catch-up. So if want to get a vaccine through your county's health department, make sure you know what phase the jurisdiction is in.

You'll need to fill out a vaccine interest or preregistration form before you get a shot. They can be found on your jurisdiction's coronavirus website.

You can also sign up for a vaccine appointment by visiting the state's website. Enter your address, ZIP code, or location in the box provided to find a vaccination clinic near you.

The COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center can be reached at 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829). Hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The center is specifically designed to help residents without Internet access.

Click here to learn more about the vaccine registration process in Maryland.

SEE ALSO: How To Get The Coronavirus Vaccine In Maryland