Baltimore County Vaccinates Most People In MD: Officials

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Nearly four weeks after Baltimore County received its first doses of the coronavirus vaccine, officials said the health department administered nearly 11,000 doses.

"As of today, more people in Baltimore County have been vaccinated than in any other jurisdiction in Maryland," County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. said in a statement. "Baltimore County is set to vaccinate another 8,000 residents this week."

Additional resources will be sent from the Maryland National Guard to assist, he reported.

"As we ramp up to vaccinate even more residents, we are set to receive additional support from the Maryland National Guard," Olszewski said Tuesday, noting nine guard members will provide more clinical and logistical support to the county.

The vaccine is being rolled out in phases outlined by the state of Maryland.

Hospitals and nursing homes have vaccinated their own workers and residents.

Starting Monday, Maryland entered phase 1B of its vaccine distribution program, which enables those at least 75 years old; people involved in education and continuity of government; and assisted living and other congregate setting residents to be vaccinated.

Baltimore County launched an online vaccine registry Friday, Jan. 15, for those who want the vaccine to express interest.

More than 72,000 have said they were interested in the four days since, and over half are at least 65 years old, according to county officials. The registry does not guarantee an appointment but instead puts people in the queue to get contacted by the health department.

"We must make sure that everyone signs up to get vaccinated," Baltimore County Health Director Wm. Branch said at a news conference Tuesday, Jan. 19.

The COVID-19 vaccine registration form is at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/vaccineregistry.

Vaccines do not save lives, Branch said, but getting vaccinated could.

He said the demand outpaced supply.

The Baltimore County Department of Health received its first shipment of the coronavirus vaccine Dec. 23, 2020.

"We will move with all haste to ensure the vaccines are distributed as we receive them," Olszewski said.

"Our neighbors are still getting sick," he said, encouraging people to continue wearing masks, keeping social distance and washing their hands.

"Personal decisions we make now matter more than ever before," Olszewski said. "Together we will get vaccinated, together we will crush this virus."

See the Baltimore County COVID-19 vaccination page.

Related:

• COVID-19 Vaccination Request Form Launches In Baltimore County
• Confirmed Coronavirus Case Total In Baltimore County At 44,391