ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan has announced that state health officials have formally authorizednew single-dose Bivalent Boosters for COVID-19 following approval by the FDA and the CDC.
As part of the state’s COVIDReady plan, Marylanders are encouraged to get the new shot for protection against the virus and additional Omicron variants.
“This new Bivalent Booster shot is another important tool in our toolbox to help Marylanders stay COVIDReady,” said Governor Hogan.
“While federal guidance has made it confusing at times for people to know if and when they’re eligible, everyone 12 and older will be able to get to this new shot. Maryland continues to be one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and we have always focused on staying ahead of the virus, which is why getting this new shot is so critical.”
Maryland has administered nearly 12.9 million COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. 58.3% of Marylanders 12 and older who are eligible for a booster dose have received at least one shot.
Preordered Doses. The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) preordered 157,600 doses of bivalent boosters (114,000 Pfizer; 43,600 Moderna) for local health departments, federally qualified health centers, and providers across the state.
This is in addition to allocations that the federal government has sent directly to pharmacy partners.
Everyone 12 And Older Eligible. Federal and state health officials are recommending that everyone 12 and older get this updated shot from Pfizer for individuals age 12 years and older and from Moderna for individuals age 18 years and older.
Individuals are eligible two months since their last vaccine dose of any kind, whether it is a primary or booster dose. Of note, federal health officials expect to approve updated booster shots for other pediatric groups in the coming weeks.
GoVax Call Center Outreach. The state’s GoVax Call Center—which is available 7 days a week—will begin a new call and text-based outreach campaign to eligible Marylanders next week.
The call center continues to offer individuals homebound vaccination options and rideshare options for individuals with transportation access issues.
Stronger Protection Against Omicron Variants. The Bivalent Booster shot adds Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike protein components to the current vaccine in order to target newer, more transmissible variants.
The FDA reports a better immune response in people who received the new Bivalent Booster. As of today, BA.5 currently accounts for 79.2 sequenced cases in the state and 90 percent of sequenced cases in the country.
The CDC predicts that both the BA.4 and BA.5 varients will continue to spread across the United States this fall and winter.
Some doses are already in the state but administration of the new shot is expected to begin after Labor Day.
To find a vaccine provider, Marylanders can visit covidvax.maryland.gov or call 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829) to make an appointment.
