Prince George's Expands Vaccine Eligibility, Pauses J&J Shots

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Prince Georgians 16 and up are now eligible for the coronavirus vaccine at any clinic in Maryland. The county expanded its offerings Monday but halted Johnson & Johnson immunizations the next day.

Johnson & Johnson

Maryland paused its J&J inoculations on Tuesday after the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended a nationwide halt. The agencies noted that six J&J recipients reported blood clots. One of those patients is dead, and another is in critical condition, CBS News wrote.

Counties across the state heeded the warning and put the brakes on their J&J clinics as well. Prince George's was no different.

"We will pause administering the Johnson & Johnson vaccine until the FDA releases further guidance," the Prince George's County Health Department tweeted. "Vaccination appointments at our clinics will not be affected by this pause."

Prince George's County mainly uses the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna immunization, so this won't derail the rollout, but the pace may diminish slightly. Gov. Larry Hogan hopes to restore full capacity next month. Prince George's still has the lowest inoculation rate in Maryland.

Expanded Eligibility

The county is still accepting preregistration for the vaccine at this link. Health officials will contact residents when it is their turn to get the shot. Though anybody 16 and older is eligible, it may take some time to actually get the immunization.

"We will continue to prioritize seniors and those with underlying medical conditions for appointments," Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks tweeted.

Private providers, like pharmacies, are doling out doses on a first-come, first-served basis. Prince Georgians will have the best luck if they sign up at state, county and private clinics.

Residents can read Patch's list of everywhere to get the inoculation, call this hotline or visit this website to find an available appointment.

Coronavirus Vaccine Resources

Anybody 16 or older can now get the vaccine at providers across the state. Check out our how-to guide to learn how to sign up for the shot.

Catch up on the latest coronavirus infection and vaccination metrics in Prince George's County with our most recent numbers update. Head to Patch's immunization page to keep up with Maryland's latest vaccine news.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Patch Editor Elizabeth Janney contributed reporting to this story.

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RELATED:

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• Vaccine Hotline Launched By Prince George's Library

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