Governor Larry Hogan announced today Maryland has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to include all adults.
GET A BOOST: Governor Hogan announces that the State of Maryland has expanded eligibility for COVID-19 boosters to include all adults.
RELEASE: https://t.co/TBJs2ApVq0 pic.twitter.com/TmYPn7hDOa
— Kata H. Burke (@katadhall) November 19, 2021
The announcement follows the FDA emergency use authorization of Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for single booster doses among adults, regardless of risk factors. Prior to today’s announcement, the FDA had approved boosters for adults aged 65 or older and adults considered high-risk due to health reasons or institutional and occupational settings. Although the CDC has not yet followed approval, Hogan has proceeded with editing the statewide eligibility to reflect the FDA’s decision.
Maryland administered more than 800,000 booster shots as of today, according to Hogan. “As the holiday season approaches, with more travel and more gatherings, we are encouraging all Marylanders to get a booster shot and maintain their immunity,” Hogan said. “The state has a robust network of vaccination providers, and we continue to have both the supply and the capacity to provide a booster shot to anyone who needs one.”
The Maryland Department of Health directed all providers to administer booster shots upon request to any person 18 years of age or older, as long as Pfizer and Moderna recipients had completed their two shot series at least six months prior. Johnson & Johnson recipients may receive a booster dose as soon as two months after their initial dose. Mixing and matching vaccine types is permitted, in accordance with CDC guidelines.
