Vaccine Supply Continues To Decline In Howard County: Officials

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — The Howard County Health Department has received 20,425 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and has administered 20,889, or 111.6 percent, shots. To date approximately 15 percent of Howard County residents have received their first vaccine dose and 6.6 percent are fully vaccinated.

However, the health department’s allocation has decreased in the past three weeks, with 4,500 vaccines provided starting the week of Jan. 24, then 2,000 doses the following week and 1,700 most recently. The state has provided a four-week outlook and Howard County is scheduled to receive only 1,700 vaccines per week for the next two weeks.

“While we continue to face challenges with vaccine availability, the health department is moving forward with vaccination clinics as we are able,” Dr. Maura Rossman, Howard County Health Officer, said at a news conference. “We want to remind residents to monitor their email and other messages to ensure they don’t miss an opportunity to register for a clinic. We also encourage taking advantage of other opportunities for vaccination as available. Even with vaccination, it is important to continue prevention strategies like mask wearing, physical distancing and limiting gatherings and to get tested if you develop symptoms.”

Howard County has also seen key COVID-19 metrics trending downward in the past several weeks, with a 3.8 percent positivity rate and 11 cases per 100,000 residents.

“We’ve made great progress and the health department continues to be one of the most efficient jurisdictions when it comes to getting shots in arms,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said at a news conference. “However, we still have many challenges, including a vaccine supply that has decreased over the past three weeks. We know that many in our community are eagerly looking forward to getting vaccinated, and we will continue to provide frequent communication, advocate for additional doses, and work to ensure all our residents have access to the vaccine.”

On Saturday, the health department hosted a Super Senior Saturday for second doses, fully vaccinating approximately 2,300 residents age 75 and older. Clinic staff were able to meet many residents with mobility issues in their vehicles for a smooth appointment.

Ball emphasized the importance of ensuring residents receive both doses of the vaccine. The effectiveness of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine is based on the two-dose regiment and after residents receive their first dose, they will be able to schedule an appointment for their second dose.

"We remain focused on our older adult population, those with disabilities and others who are vulnerable," Jacqueline R. Scott, director of the department of community resources and services, said. "Everything we do is to make sure that residents feel heard, respected, and supported in this process."

The Mobile Integrated Community Health (MICH) team and the intergovernmental collaboration between the fire department, health department and department of community resources and services has allowed 60 individuals with developmental disabilities to be vaccinated in their homes to date. Last week, the MICH team also went to an independent living facility and congregate care facility to provide vaccinations and will continue to vaccinate residents in these facilities moving forward.

“Our team is mobilized and ready to support our home bound residents who need the vaccination,” Howard County Fire Chief William Anuszewski said. “You have not been forgotten and we are here for you. As more vaccine becomes available, we will continue to visit homes, congregate living facilities, and independent living facilities to provide vaccinations to this at-risk community.”

All residents are encouraged by the state to register for a vaccine at these sites by using the state vaccine locator: https://coronavirus.maryland.gov/pages/vaccine#locator.

All phases, 1A, 1B, 1C, 2, and 3, can also pre-register with the Howard County Health Department at vaccine.howardcountymd.gov or by calling 410-313-6284. Pre-registering does not schedule an appointment but provides your contact information to the health department so individuals can be notified when appointments are available. All vaccinations currently are by appointment only. Residents who have preregistered will be notified by email when supply is available to schedule an appointment. Appointments are required and people should arrive no sooner than 10 minutes prior to their appointment time.