(2/11) "We are ready." That was the message of Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner today at her weekly public information briefing. Once additional COVID-19 vaccine doses are allocated to the Frederick County Health Department, County-run vaccination clinics are prepared to ramp up distribution efforts, Executive Gardner and Public Health Officer Dr. Barbara Brookmyer said. More than 62,000 people have pre-registered with the Health Department. Only 1,500 doses were provided to the Health Department this week, 1,300 directly from the State of Maryland, and another 200 reallocated from Frederick Health Hospital. The statewide vaccine rollout is in its ninth week, and to date the Frederick County Health Department has received a total of 13,650 doses.

"Frederick County is ready to deliver vaccine as soon as we receive it," Executive Gardner said. "We simply need more vaccine. Our public health officials have requested more vaccine, and have specifically requested an allocation of doses for our educators. When more vaccine becomes available, vaccine clinics will be expanded to more locations, including a drive-through option."

The Health Department is currently vaccinating people in priority groups 1A, 1B and will begin vaccinating people who are 65 years and older who live or work in Frederick County. To pre-register, please complete a Vaccine Interest Form at FrederickCountyMD.gov/CovidVaccine. Anyone 75 years or older who has not yet received a vaccine may call 301-600-7900 for English to schedule an appointment. The number for Spanish speakers is 301-600-7905.

Since the virus first appeared in Frederick County in March 2020, a total of 16,249 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been recorded among county residents, and 248 citizens have died as a result. The Health Department and hospital have combined to deliver 27,721 first-dose vaccinations to date, about 10.7% of the population. Second doses have been delivered to 7,905 people, or 3% of the population.

Everyone is urged to continue preventative measures. Wear a face covering. Wash hands frequently. Remain at least 6 feet from people outside your household.