COVID-19 Vaccine
The following Marylanders are currently eligible for a COVID-19 booster:
- Marylanders 5+ who received their second Pfizer COVID-19 dose at least five months ago
- Marylanders 18+ who received their second Moderna COVID-19 dose at least five months ago
- Marylanders 18+ who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine two or more months ago
Note: Marylanders ages 5-17 are eligible for the Pfizer booster only. Marylanders 18 and older may choose which vaccine they want for a booster, even if it is different from the original vaccine received.
All Marylanders 6 months and older are eligible for initial COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccinations are available through pediatricians and other physicians, hospitals, local health departments and pharmacies.
Find a vaccination clinic near you
The Food and Drug Administration has granted full approval for the Pfizer vaccine for individuals ages 12 and older and full approval for the Moderna vaccine for ages 18 and older. Emergency use authorization for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are in effect for individuals 6 months through 11 for Pfizer, and 6 months through 17 for Moderna. Emergency use authorization for the Novavax vaccine as a primary vaccination series is also in effect for individuals 18 and older.
All Marylanders 6 months and older are eligible for initial COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccinations are available through pediatricians and other physicians, hospitals, local health departments and pharmacies.
Why should you get the vaccine?
What are the vaccines?
CDC has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines with a preference for people to receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna). Learn more.
| Vaccines | Status | Dosing | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pfizer | Vaccine has been approved for use for ages 12+; authorized for emergency use for ages 6 months to 11 years | Two doses, delivered three weeks apart | Injection-site pain, fatigue, headaches, chills |
| Moderna | Vaccine has been approved for use for ages 18+; authorized for emergency use for ages 6 months to 17 years. | Two doses, delivered four weeks apart | Injection-site pain, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, chills |
| Johnson & Johnson | Vaccine has been authorized for emergency use for ages 18+ | One Dose | Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain |
| Novavax | Vaccine has been authorized for emergency use as a primary series for ages 18+ | Two doses, three weeks apart | Injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain |
| AstraZeneca | Vaccine trials are ongoing | Two doses, delivered four weeks apart | Fever, muscle aches, headaches, injection site pain |
Prevention from Covid (Pre-exposure treatment)
The best protection against severe illness from COVID is to be up-to-date on all recommended COVID vaccinations, including boosters, for your age group. However, patients who have certain medical conditions and/or are taking certain medications that reduce their ability to fight infections can take advantage of a long acting monoclonal antibody injection to avoid severe illness from Covid-19. This treatment must be used prior to exposure or diagnosis of COVID.
The FDA has issued an EUA for Evusheld (tixagevimab plus cilgavimab) as a medicine used in adults and children ages 12 years and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised. Evusheld consists of 2 monoclonal antibodies provided together to help prevent severe illness from COVID. A healthcare provider gives Evusheld as 2 separate consecutive intramuscular (IM) injections at a doctor’s office or healthcare facility.
If you have any of the medical conditions or take the medications listed here, you may be considered eligible for this medication., You should talk to a healthcare provider to determine if preventive treatment for COVID is right for you.
Note: Evusheld is only authorized for people ages 12 and older who weigh at least 88 pounds. You also can’t be currently infected with COVID-19 or have a known recent exposure to the virus; that is, be in your isolation or quarantine periods.
Resources about the COVID vaccine
We are here to help you.
If you have questions or need help, operators are available to assist you.
Call 855-MD-GoVAX (855-634-6829)
Available resources will evolve as the Maryland vaccination effort moves forward.
Please check our resources page regularly for information and updates.
