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| Wheaton Vax Center |
Mirroring national trends, young adults in Montgomery County are the least likely to have received a COVID-19 vaccination.
According to the latest data, residents who are 20-34 have a first-dose vaccination rate of 69 percent. This compares to 90 percent for residents 65 and older. The County has undertaken a media campaign using television, radio and social media to urge residents 18-34 to “Take Control” and get vaccinated. The television spots can be viewed at YouTube.
Maryland statistics as of this morning, Thursday, June 24, show that more than 695,500 Montgomery County residents (66.2 percent of all residents) have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and more than 623,500 residents (59.4 percent) are fully vaccinated. (These numbers do not include Montgomery County residents who have been vaccinated outside of Maryland.) More information is available at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/data/.
If someone you know is hesitant about getting vaccinated, consider having a conversation with them about the various vaccines and their safety and effectiveness. More information about the vaccine is available at risks and benefits. Everyone over age 12 is now eligible for the vaccine. Vaccinations are available on a walk-up or appointment basis at many County-run clinics. Many local pharmacies are also offering same-day vaccine appointments.
The diminished demand for the vaccine will lead to the County suspending the vaccine site at the Germantown campus of Montgomery College on Friday, July 2. The County will then transition to a more appropriate site for the current demand at the UpCounty Regional Service Center in Germantown beginning on Tuesday, July 6. At that site, the County will continue to offer first doses and the second doses (for those previously vaccinated at Germantown Mass Vaccination Site).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, current vaccines provide protection against the highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID-19. There have been some cases of this variant detected in Montgomery County.
If bringing someone 12-18 to any clinic to get a vaccine, be sure to check in advance to make sure the Pfizer vaccine is being offered. Parents or guardians can provide consent when making an appointment online. Young people who walk up without an appointment must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Everyone under the age of 18 must bring proof of age to the vaccination site.
People who have had COVID-19 still need to be vaccinated.
The County’s COVID-19 Call Center has reduced hours. It is now open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 240-777-2982 for more information about COVID-19 questions.
