By Gillaila Thomas
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Gov. Larry Hogan and officials with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced Monday that the nation’s first federal mobile vaccination units will launch in the State of Maryland.
Two mobile sites will provide access to the Covid-19 vaccinations to thousands of Marylanders who live in the Eastern Shore remote or underserved areas. Appointments will be booked through the Health Department in the individuals’ county of residence. The appointments will target people who are socially vulnerable or live in remote areas, officials said.
“These federal units will complement the Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force’s mobile clinics and help us get more shots into the arms of our most vulnerable populations,” Hogan said. “I want to thank the White House, FEMA, and all of our federal partners for working with us to expand our vaccination efforts.”
The mobile vaccine mission will target the following groups:
- Workers in the manufacturing and food processing plants on the Eastern Shore, specifically those working in poultry processing plants.
- Minority and migrant populations, and those who may lack adequate transportation to commute to and from a standstill vaccination site outside of their community or place of work.
- Those living in small towns and enclaves on the Eastern Shore.
As the state has administered more than 2 million vaccines, averaging more than 43,000 shots per day, Hogan said the mobile units will help increase the vaccinations by providing 250 doses per day. The mobile will remain at a location for a few days before moving to a new location.
On Tuesday, Maryland entered into Phase 2B, which will provide eligibility to Marylanders age 16 and older with underlying medical conditions that increase risk for severe Covid-19 illnesses. Marylanders with disabilities also are eligible. The mobile sites will help grow the list of Marylanders who can receive the Covid-19 vaccinations, officials said.