HAGERSTOWN, MD — In anticipation of receiving the county’s initial doses of COVID-19 vaccine, the Washington County Health Department is coordinating with local partners to ensure safe and efficient distribution, particularly for vulnerable and at-risk populations.
As determined by the Maryland Department of Health’s (MDH) COVID-19 Vaccination Plan, Washington County will follow a phased approach, with initial doses going to front-line health care staff as well as nursing home staff and residents. As subsequent doses become available and at the direction of MDH, populations with the highest risk of developing complications from COVID-19, as well as frontline workers and essential workers will gain access.
“It has been a difficult path through this pandemic thus far and to finally be adding a vaccine into this fight is energizing. I do want to temper this with the understanding that everyone must be patient as initial doses will be limited and prioritized for those most at risk,” said Earl Stoner, Washington County health officer. “The ability to get people vaccinated will grow as the vaccine rolls out. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Plans for local vaccine distribution are being developed by WCHD in partnership with Meritus Health, Washington County Government, Washington County Division of Emergency Management, Washington County Division of Emergency Services, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, and local Volunteer Fire and EMS Departments.
Phase 1 & 2: Vaccination of Critical Populations. Initial COVID-19 vaccination efforts will target those at highest risk of developing complications from COVID-19 and those in critical industries:
Phase 1A: Health care workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities, first responders
Phase 1B: People at significantly higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness
Phase 2.
People in critical, essential infrastructure roles; people at moderately higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness
Phase 3: Vaccination of general public
Determination of the beginning of Phase 2 will be influenced by a number of factors including the availability of COVID-19 vaccine; notification by CDC and state authorities that the general public Phase 3 can begin due to sufficient supply; achievement of targeted metrics for vaccination of high priority Phase 1 & 2 groups.
A survey has been created in order to measure the interest of Washington County residents in receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The way the vaccine is distributed to high-risk groups and the general public will depend on many factors.
Your answer will help further develop our plan for vaccine distribution. All Washington County residents should complete the survey by Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020.
Please take the survey by clicking on the link below:
English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/washcovaccinationplanning-covid19-eng
Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/washcovaccinationplanning-covid19-espanol
