By Quincy Broadnax
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Maryland has surpassed 500,000 COVID-19 booster shots and the coronavirus positivity rate dropped to just under 3%, Gov. Larry Hogan announced last week.
“Maryland has mobilized a robust network of vaccination providers, including pharmacies, primary care providers, mobile clinics, community health centers, and local health departments, and we have both the supply and the capacity to provide a booster shot to anyone who needs one,” Hogan said. “If you are eligible—especially if you are immunocompromised or have comorbidities—you should strongly consider getting a COVID-19 booster shot immediately for additional protection from this virus.”
According to official CDC data, Maryland leads the region and ranks in the top 10 in the nation for boosters administered to senior citizens. The state continues to be on top in the number of vaccines provided, Hogan said. Since the vaccine approvals earlier this year, COVID case rates, hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID have remained low, according to a statement released by the governor’s office.
“The vaccines are without a doubt our single most effective tool to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 and the surging Delta variant, and Maryland’s vaccination rate continues to outpace the nation,” Hogan said.
In efforts to decrease the number of positive COVID-19 cases and deaths in Maryland, state health officials continue to strongly recommend that Marylanders with comorbidities and underlying health conditions get a booster shot as soon as possible.