In anticipation of a COVID-19 vaccine, the St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is coordinating with local partners on a phased approach, initially prioritizing populations with high risk of developing complications from COVID-19, as well as those in critical industries
Phase 1 will include initial COVID-19 vaccination efforts that target those at highest risk of developing complications as well as frontline first responders and health care workers evaluating and caring for COVID-19 patients, staff and residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and essential workers, including public safety, education, and staff in congregate living facilities.
Phase 3 will be vaccination efforts for the general public and will be influenced by a number of factors include availability, notification by the CDC and state authorities that the general public phase may begin due to sufficient supply, and achievement of targeted metrics for vaccination of high priority Phase 1 groups.
From the County press release:
“Our strong community partnerships have allowed us to prepare aggressively and respond innovatively to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now we are pulling together to ready our community for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer.
“This pandemic has been hard on all of us, but as a community we have risen to this challenge together. This plan for mass vaccinations is the next step we take toward getting back to normal and I encourage all citizens to continue to follow the guidance from our County Health Department,” said Randy Guy, President, Commissioners of St. Mary’s County.
Plans for local vaccine distribution are being developed by SMCHD in partnership with the St. Mary’s County Department of Emergency Services, St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, St. Mary’s County Public Schools, Maryland State Police, St. Mary’s County Department of Public Works, St. Mary’s County Department of Social Services, MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital, the county’s three long-term care facilities, and local Volunteer Fire and EMS Departments.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street for the latest.
