We have received many queries requesting information about the availability of Covid-19 vaccines. Many of the details about the timing and availability of these vaccines are currently unknown.
Two Covid-19 vaccines have been approved for use by the FDA and are being distributed to states to administer. Both the Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are very safe and highly protective against symptomatic Covid-19 infection. Each state has developed its own plan for prioritizing and distributing the supply of vaccine it receives. Maryland is following CDC guidelines and is giving first priority to 1-A recipients (‘front line’ healthcare workers, first responders, and nursing home residents and staff).
Vaccination of those in Phase 1-A is currently in progress. So far, Maryland has received 155,000 doses, which is enough to vaccinate only a portion of the estimated 800,000 people in 1-A. It is unknown at this time when more vaccine will become available. Vaccination progress is updated daily at coronavirus.maryland.gov/#Vaccine.
Once phase 1-A has been completed, phase 1-B recipients will be eligible for vaccination, starting with people over age 75 (and frontline essential workers). Subsequently, in phase 1-C, vaccination will be offered to people over age 65 or those aged 16 to 64 with serious medical conditions (and other essential workers).
It is our intention to be a Covid-19 vaccination site for our patients, but we cannot say when we might be able to receive any vaccine for this purpose.
We are continuing to monitor this closely through our state and local resources and will keep you informed as more information becomes available.
Your partners in health,
Bethesda Medical Associates