Howard County Government: Howard County Leads Maryland In Vaccination Rate Among Eligible Population

Columbia MD

03 August, 2021

9:42 AM

Description

Press release from the Howard County Government: 08/2/2021 Howard County continues to lead Maryland with more than 85% of its eligible population at least partially vaccinated and more than 80% fully vaccinated, according to the Maryland Department of Health. 15,000 residents received a shot in July ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County continues to lead Maryland with more than 85% of its eligible population at least partially vaccinated and more than 80% fully vaccinated, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Today, Howard County Government buildings fully reopened to the public.(link is external) County Executive Calvin Ball has emphasized Howard County's COVID-19 metrics and at this time does not plan to mandate masks or require vaccinations. As of August 1, Howard County's positivity rate is 2.76%, among the lower third of jurisdictions in Maryland. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Howard County has a moderate level of community transmission.   15,000 residents received a shot in July Our team has worked incredibly hard to get our population vaccinated, in July alone approximately 15,000 doses were administered. With the increasing presence of the delta variant, we're reviewing all our options to encourage more of our residents and employees to get vaccinated and keep our community safe. For our residents who feel more comfortable wearing marks, they should do so. At this time, we're reaching out to those who still have not received their shot and have 16 clinics this week around the region. The single most effective way to reduce your chance of hospitalization or death from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Calvin Ball Howard County Executive Upcoming Vaccine Clinics  Can't see the table below? Click here to view the original story. To view the full list of upcoming clinics, please visit vaccine.howardcountymd.gov(link is external).  Vaccine clinics will also be offered from August 7 – 14 at the Howard County Fair. A full schedule of vaccine clinics offered at upcoming Merriweather concerts is also available online.(link is external) Residents in need of a second dose appointment can email the Howard County Health Department at [email protected]. Walk-up vaccine also available for those who previously missed their second dose appointment. "The Health Department continues to offer a wide range of community vaccination clinics for any eligible individual who is not yet fully vaccinated," said Howard County Health Officer Dr. Maura Rossman. "The extremely contagious Delta variant is now the dominant strain in our County, underlining the importance that everyone 12 and older get vaccinated to reduce the spread of this virus and protect those who are immunocompromised or not yet eligible to receive the vaccine."  This press release was produced by the Howard County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.