Phase 1B is set to start on Monday
Annapolis, MD (KB) Governor Larry Hogan has announced that COVID-19 vaccinations are now going to be available to more people.
At a news conference on Thursday, Hogan said Phase 1B of the state vaccination plan will begin on Monday, January 18th. Included in Group 1B are individuals who work in education from daycare to K-through-12, but the group has expanded to the include the following:
“Eligible groups will be expanded statewide to include all Marylanders 75 and over, as well as anyone of any age living in assisted living or independent living facilities, and developmental disabilities and behavioral health group homes,” said Hogan.
The Governor said later this month, vaccinations will be expanded further.
“We have also accelerated the plan to enable moving into 1C beginning the following Monday, January 25th,” he said. “In Phase 1C, we will expand and be able to open to all adults between the ages of 65 and 74 anywhere in the state.”
The Governor also announced a pilot program with Giant and Wal Mart to provide vaccines to their pharmacies.
“This pilot program will begin the following Monday, January 25th, at 22 Giant locations across the state, as well as their three Martins locations in Washington and Alleghany Counties,” he explained. “It will also include ten Wal Mart locations, primarily on the Eastern Shore and Western Maryland.”
In addition to the pilot program, health officials have activated Part B of the CVS and Walgreens federal pharmacy partnership.
Secretary of Aging Rona Kramer had this message for long-term care residents:
“There is no need for anyone in a long-term care facility to leave the facility in order to obtain the vaccine,” Kramer explained. “The vaccines will come to you through the CVS or Walgreens vaccination teams.”
Hogan concluded by encouraging all Marylanders to get vaccinated.
“Getting vaccinated is critical to preventing more illnesses and more deaths, and it will keep you, your family, your friends, and your community healthy and safe,” he said.