Dear Marylanders,
Earlier today, following long-awaited final approval by the CDC, I announced the authorization of Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for Maryland seniors and high-risk individuals. It is a significant step toward providing additional protection for our most vulnerable residents, and supports the data-based decision we made earlier this month to move ahead on booster shots for seniors in congregate settings.
Maryland has already administered more than 50,000 additional doses, and we have the supply and the capacity to provide a booster shot to anyone who needs one. If you are eligible and received your second Pfizer dose at least six months ago, you should strongly consider getting a booster shot.
This is important progress, but we continue to press the federal government to issue clear guidance for individuals who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines. And with students back in classrooms, it is critical that the federal government expedite approval of vaccines for 5- to 11-year-olds.
This week, Maryland reported the nation’s lowest COVID-19 case rate, and we continue to withstand the Delta variant surge better than just about any other state. But we cannot afford to be complacent.
I want to again thank the millions of Marylanders who have rolled up their sleeves to get vaccinated. Our state has had one of the strongest health and economic recoveries in the nation by following the science and leading the way, which is exactly what we will continue to do.
Sincerely,
