The Talbot County Health Department in coordination with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic April 13-18 at the Easton Elks Lodge #1622 for individuals aged 18 and older.
Appointments for the 1,500 Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine can be made at marylandvax.org, or with assistance by calling the health department’s vaccination helpline at 410-819-5641. The helpline is operated 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Gov. Larry Hogan and FEMA announced March 29 that these mobile clinics are part of the nation’s first federal mobile COVID-19 vaccination units launching in the state. The mobile site will provide access to COVID-19 vaccinations for thousands of Marylanders who live in remote or otherwise underserved areas on the Eastern Shore, Hogan’s office said in a release.
“The focus of the FEMA unit’s efforts on the Eastern Shore helps bring much needed vaccination availability to our communities,” said Talbot Health Officer Dr. Maria Maguire. “We are excited to offer these one-dose vaccinations to individuals who are 18 years of age and older, and are hopeful that with the extended hours and weekend availability, it will be easier for Talbot residents who have not yet been able to get vaccinated to do so.”
Though everyone 16 years and older is now eligible to be vaccinated, these specific clinics are open to people age 18 years and above because that is the minimum age the Johnson & Johnson vaccine can be given per its FDA authorization. 16- and 17-year-olds interested in getting vaccinated require the Pfizer vaccine, which is available through the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health and the state-run mass vaccine clinic in Salisbury.
“These federal units complement the vaccine clinics that are currently operating in Talbot County, including those organized by community organizations, our local health care providers, and retail pharmacies,” Dr. Maguire said.
Easton Elks Lodge #1622 is located at 502 Dutchmans Lane in Easton, with appointments required, and vaccinations available on a first-come, first-served basis. The mobile units are designed to provide a minimum of 250 doses per day and include cold storage for vaccine doses, staff office space, and generators. The site also includes parking and a mobile shelter for vaccinations.
Hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on April 13, 17, and 18, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 14-16.
Marylanders interested in receiving a vaccination at any state-run mass vaccination site should visit COVIDvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MD-GOVAX (1-855-634-6829).
More information and resources about Talbot County’s response to COVID-19 is at talbotcovid19.org and talbothealth.org.