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January 19, 2021
Dear friends,
 COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun across the state of Maryland. I know that some residents were able to sign up for appointments this weekend and many others experienced glitches and frustration with the online system.
Changes and enhancements are being made daily as vaccine supply and locations evolve.
Please always use this site for your updated County information: Thank you to everyone for your patience. Please recognize that the number of individuals in each phase of eligibility is far greater than the number of vaccines Maryland is receiving from the Federal Government. Also, as Governor Hogan moves into different phases of vaccine distribution more quickly than expected, the pool of eligible residents is growing at a pace larger than what was originally planned for.
We are currently in Phase 1B and Governor Hogan has asked us to move to Phase 1C next week. See list of phases here.
This morning, County Executive Alsobrooks announced that residents must now fill out a pre-registration form.
To make sure that Prince Georgians who are most vulnerable have access to appointments, the County is resetting all appointments currently scheduled after February 9 at the Sports & Learning Complex. The Health Department will send out notices to those individuals and they will be required to fill out the pre-registration form online to be able to reschedule their appointments. Individuals who have an appointment on February 9 or before should keep their scheduled appointment, and they will not need to fill out the pre-registration form. Anyone who has an appointment for a second dose of the vaccine after February 9 will not have their appointment changed.
When the County has more vaccines available and/or moves to future phases of vaccine distribution, individuals who have pre-registered will be notified when they are eligible, and the Health Department will follow up with links to schedule appointments as they become available, based on vaccine supply.
Everyone is encouraged to fill out the pre-registration form starting today.
The County is administering approx. 1,000 vaccines per day Monday-Friday at the Sports & Learning Complex. Additional sites are expected to open over the next several weeks.
Individual health systems such as Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and University of Maryland Capital Region Health/UMMS also have vaccines to distribute and have separate scheduling links.
Luminis Health will begin distribution today for phases 1A and 1B. Please complete this vaccine interest form to receive registration information from Luminis Health, if you quality based on phasing. Please also complete this form for UMMS. Each hospital system has its own interest form.
County Executive Alsobrooks indicated this morning that as of last week, Prince George's County had distributed 82% of all the vaccines we received from the state. The Prince George's County Health Department received a new batch and is now working to distribute those vaccines. Visit the Vaccine Dashboard for detailed information about vaccine distribution in the County.
Frequently Asked Questions are below the next section.
Vaccine Safety
The COVID-19 Vaccine is safe. County leaders like County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George's County Health Office Dr. Ernest Carter, County Council Chair Calvin Hawkins, County Council Vice Chair Deni Taveras have each received their vaccines with minor to no side effects. My mother will receive her vaccine in Baltimore County, where she lives, tomorrow and I look forward to the opportunity to receive the vaccine during phase 1B to ensure continuity of government.
If you have questions or concerns about getting the vaccine, I urge you to join this upcoming event:
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: The website simply isn't working for me. What should I do?
A: The vaccine website is run by the state and we were recently told that it is not compatible with Internet Explorer. Please use the Safari, Chrome or Microsoft Edge internet browsers.
Q: What if someone doesn't have access to a computer or isn't tech savvy enough to fill out the online form?
A: Prince George's County is setting up a hotline phone number for those who don't have a computer or aren't able to access the online form. Watch for that information next week.
Q: The vaccine requires a second dose, or booster, a certain number of days after the first dose. Do I need to sign up for 2 appointments?
A: No. Upon receiving your first vaccination you will be provided with a handout which includes a direct link to sign up for your second dose. This will ensure that all individuals who receive their first dose will be able to receive their second dose in the proper timing and that the County has adequate reserves for all second doses.
Q: What do I need to bring with me to my vaccine appointment?
A: Be sure to bring your ID and insurance card (if any). If you are eligible for the vaccine due to your job, please also bring your work ID.
Q: How can I volunteer to help with the massive undertaking of vaccine distribution?
A: Volunteers are needed! Individuals with a medical AND non-medical background are urged to volunteer. To learn more and sign up to volunteer, visit https://bit.ly/PGCMedicalReserve and be sure to select Prince George's County.
Additional Links:
The state has created a text alert system for updates. Please text MDReady to 898-211 to receive updates directly.
Be COVID Safe
Even as we all eagerly await our opportunity to be vaccinated, we must continue to practice COVID safety protocols.
Wear a mask over your nose.
Limit gatherings to those you live with.
If you must go out, stay 6 feet away from others.
Continue to wash your hands.
I will continue to share new information as I receive it. Thank you in advance for your patience as we undertake the massive effort of vaccinating our residents.
Together Strengthening Our Community,
Dannielle Glaros
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