MOCO Opening New Vaccine Sites In Anticipation Of Booster Shot Appointments

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — New vaccination sites are opening to increase the county's capacity to accommodate people making COVID-19 booster shot appointments. Vaccination sites are still going to offer first and second doses, too.

Gov. Larry Hogan detailed who is eligible for the vaccine at a news conference last week and announced the state's plans to increase outreach to eligible people and let them know they can go get one. One strategy is to call people and let them know that they're eligible.

The Maryland Secretary of Health, Dennis Schrader, encouraged people across the state to look into their options on their own, too.

"There is no need to wait to hear from us, however," said Schrader at the news conference. "If you are eligible for a booster shot, we strongly encourage you to get one right away."

The new COVID-19 vaccine sites in Montgomery County are:

• Montgomery College – Germantown (as of this week)
  
  • Bioscience Education Building 20200 Observation Drive, Germantown
  • Open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• East County Recreation Center (as of Oct. 11)
  
  • 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring
  • Sunday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.
• Silver Spring Civic Building (as of Oct. 11)
  
  • 1 Veterans Plaza, Silver Spring
  • Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Who Is Eligible?

These groups are currently allowed to get COVID-19 booster shots, according to Montgomery County's vaccine website:

• Residents with compromised immune systems ( Pfizer or Moderna recipients, at least 28 days after second dose)
• Residents age 65 and older ( Pfizer recipients only, at least six months after second dose)
• Residents age 18 and older with underlying medical conditions ( Pfizer recipients only, at least six months after second dose)
• Residents aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting risk ( Pfizer recipients only, at least six months after second dose)