Maryland Expands COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility To Phase 1C
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Maryland expanded its COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to Phase 1C Monday.
That phase includes adults aged 65-74, other public health and safety workers as well as other front line workers like those with the U.S. Postal Service, those who work at grocery stores and in food production and manufacturing. Earlier this month, the state said it planned to move to Phase 1C in early March.
Counties will have some flexibility as to when they move to different phases as long as the elderly and most vulnerable are prioritized, the governor said.
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Plans are also underway to open mass vaccination sites.
While there are not enough vaccines available for everyone in previous phases yet, officials said they moved ahead to make sure no doses go to waste.
"Since we legitimately are eligible for it, I feel worthy, I feel lucky. I feel grateful," said Baltimore County resident Sherri Bell, who along with her husband signed up for a vaccine immediately after getting an email about it on Sunday.
As of Sunday, 358,262 doses of the coronavirus vaccines have been administered in the state.
The Maryland State Fairgrounds is one of the sites where people have been lining up so they can get their vaccines. After getting the shot, people wait at the site to ensure they are in good condition before they leave. They account for less than 6% of the population in the Baltimore region who've already gotten one of their vaccines.
Anne Arundel and Howard counties, meanwhile, are staying back in the previous phase until they know they'll have enough doses to move forward.
For the latest information on coronavirus go to the Maryland Health Department's website or call 211. You can find all of WJZ's coverage on coronavirus in Maryland here.
