Governor Hogan Announces Immediate Authorization of COVID-19 Booster Shots For Seniors In Congregate Care Facilities

Governor Hogan Announces Immediate Authorization of COVID-19 Booster Shots For Seniors In Congregate Care Facilities

Click here to read full notes from Governor Hogan’s September 8 press conference.

Per the State of Maryland:

Applies to All Nursing Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Residential Drug Treatment Centers, and Developmentally Disabled Group Homes
Pharmacies and Providers Must Administer Booster Shots to Immunocompromised Without Prescription
Launches $3 Million Community-Based, Door-to-Door Canvassing Effort to Encourage More Vaccinations

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the State of Maryland is immediately authorizing COVID-19 booster shots for all Marylanders 65 and older who are living in congregate care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential drug treatment centers, and developmentally disabled group homes.

“For several weeks now, states have had to operate without clear guidance from the federal government regarding these booster shots,” said Governor Hogan. “The limited guidance we have received has been confusing and contradictory, and it is still unclear when and how more people will become eligible. But all of the evidence makes it abundantly clear that we cannot afford to delay taking decisive action to protect our most vulnerable citizens.”

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Watch today’s press conference.
View the slides from today’s press conference.

Boosters for Seniors in Congregate Care Facilities. Based on available data and guidance, congregate care facilities in Maryland can immediately begin offering booster shots to Marylanders 65 and older who are in their care.

Read the Maryland Department of Health order for nursing homes.
Read the Maryland Department of Health order for other congregate care facilities.

Antibody Testing Program. Last month, the State of Maryland launched an Antibody Testing Program for nursing home residents to ascertain their current levels of immunity from COVID-19. The pilot program, which was one of the first of its kind in the country, included more than 500 residents from across the state. The findings reported by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) indicate that more than 60% of residents demonstrated some form of waning immunity over time, and as many as one in three were particularly vulnerable.

Booster Shots for Immunocompromised Marylanders. MDH has issued guidance instructing all pharmacies and providers across the state to administer boosters to anyone who considers themselves to be immunocompromised, without a prescription or doctor’s order. Providers will be required to report any booster shots they administer in the same manner that first and second doses are reported.

Read the Maryland Department of Health guidance.

Community COVID-19 Vaccination Project. Governor Hogan announced the launch of the Community COVID-19 Vaccination Project, a $3 million community-based, door-to-door canvassing effort to directly engage Marylanders living in areas with low vaccination rates in order to encourage more vaccinations and provide health education in at-risk neighborhoods.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. The State of Maryland has completed more than 10,000 infusions of monoclonal antibodies, which have helped avoid approximately 500 hospitalizations and 200 fatalities. These treatments are available at more than 30 facilities, including the Baltimore Convention Center, City of Praise Family Ministries near FedExField, and through a number of hospital systems, including the University of Maryland Medical System, Johns Hopkins, MedStar, Meritus, TidalHealth, Anne Arundel Medical Center, and Garrett Regional Medical Center.

Marylanders who test positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to talk to their health care provider to see if monoclonal antibodies are an appropriate treatment. More information can be found by visiting covidlink.maryland.gov.

Continues Calls for Federal Action on Vaccines. Governor Hogan continued to press the federal government for more progress on vaccines, including:

  • Addressing boosters for Americans who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine
  • Advancing full FDA approval of all three COVID-19 vaccines
  • Expediting the approval process for vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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