More than 850,600 Montgomery County residents (95.4 percent) ages 12-and-over have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to statistics posted this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More than 771,200 County residents (86.5 percent) 12-and-over are fully vaccinated.
Most cases of residents requiring hospitalization due to COVID-19 regard unvaccinated people.
Of the County’s 170,300 residents age 65-and-older, 99.9 percent have received at least one vaccination dose, according to the CDC.
Residents with compromised immune systems are now able to receive a third additional dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines at locations throughout the County, including local pharmacies, doctors’ offices and County-operated clinics. Find more information about County-operated clinics at www.GoVaxMoco.com. Guidance shared by the CDC recently recommended that people with a range of conditions—such as organ transplant or stem cell recipients, people with untreated or advanced HIV infection, people currently receiving cancer treatment, people who are taking medications that weaken the immune system and others—receive an additional vaccine. Visit the County’s vaccine page for more information on who needs an additional dose because of a medical condition.
Individuals should talk to their health care provider about their medical condition and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not currently authorized for an additional dose.
The FDA recently gave full approval for the Pfizer vaccine for residents ages 16 and older. Pfizer continues to be recommended under an emergency use authorization for adolescents 12 to 15 years old. The County’s vaccination appointment page lists the type of vaccine offered at each of the clinics.
On Aug. 18, public health and medical experts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) outlined a plan for COVID-19 booster shots, pending FDA approval and CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations. According to the plan, booster shots for those who are not immunocompromised would be given eight months after an individual is fully vaccinated (after the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine) This means that frontline health care workers and first responders would be among the first to receive a booster dose. The booster will provide longer-lasting protection against COVID-19. For most of the public, the eight-month period will occur later in the fall.
Public health officials continue to recommend COVID-19 testing for anyone who feels sick or who thinks they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Find free testing clinics at www.MoCoCOVIDTesting.org.
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17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Now in its 17th year, the Kensington Day of the Book Festival is a family-friendly street festival featuring 150+ renowned authors, poets, and literary organizations. Enjoy live music on five stages, special guest speakers, military veteran writers and comedians, poetry readings, cookbook demos, children's program, and much more.
Admission is free, and attendees will also be able to explore a marketplace of books and food offerings from local vendors.
Not your average book festival! This festival offers something for everyone!
17th Annual Kensington Day of the Book Festival
Sunday, April 21, 2024, 11am-4pm (held rain or shine!)
Howard Avenue, Kensington, MD 20895
www.dayofthebook.com
Instagram: @kensingtonbookfestival
Contact: Elisenda Sola-Sole, Festival Director
301-949-9416 (text preferred)
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!!!
