Maryland hit a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19 with 99% of seniors receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to CDC data.
The state also places in the top 10 in the nation in the number of booster shots given to seniors, according to a press release from the governor’s office.
“From our oldest to youngest eligible, we continue to lead one of the most successful vaccination campaigns in the country,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We have gotten to this point by listening to the experts and by following the science, and that is exactly what we will continue to do as we work to get those last remaining 1% of seniors, and the 12.7% of remaining adults in our state vaccinated, and as we now work to get more of our school age children vaccinated.”
The CDC recommends all seniors receive the initial vaccine doses followed by a booster shot six months later to boost immunity. Maryland has administered more than 700,000 booster shots since they became available in September.
Maryland also continues to place in the top 10 states for its total population vaccination rate, with more than 65% of residents vaccinated and nearly 90% of those over 18 receiving at least one dose of the vaccine.
“We have now administered our nine millionth vaccine,” Hogan said. “The state has a robust network of providers, and we continue to have both the supply and the capacity to provide a vaccine or a booster shot to anyone who needs one.”
Nationwide vaccinations
According to the CDC, nearly 200 million people in the United States are fully vaccinated, with more than 30 million having received a booster shot. About 47 million seniors are fully vaccinated nationwide, with more than 17 million having also received a booster dose.
The CDC recently approved mixing of vaccine types for booster doses, making it easier for all those eligible to receive a booster if they want one.
Vaccination is especially important for seniors as the risk for severe disease and death from COVID-19 increases with age. Seniors are also more likely to have underlying conditions that increase their risk of severe disease and death. Vaccines can reduce the risk of severe disease and death by as much as 94%, according to the CDC.
As many seniors are now fully vaccinated, the push turns to vaccinating the younger population, with vaccines for children ages 5-11 approved by the FDA and CDC in early November. Data shows Maryland has fully vaccinated nearly 67% of teens aged 12-17 and has administered more than 70,000 doses to children 5-11.
Nationwide, a little more than 50% of children ages 12-17 are fully vaccinated, while 2.6 million children aged 5-11 have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
For more information on how to get a COVID-19 vaccine or booster shot in your area, visit vaccines.gov or call your local health department.
