On Friday, the CDC authorized booth both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for all adults after completion of primary vaccination with any FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.  This action opens up COVID booster vaccines to all individuals 18 years of age and older who received their initial series of Moderna or Pfizer COVID vaccine at least six months ago or received the single-dose Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine at least two months ago.

“As the holiday season approaches, with more travel and more gatherings, we are encouraging all Marylanders to get a booster shot and maintain their immunity,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan.

Booster doses are available locally at pharmacies, urgent care clinics and some primary care providers.  The Allegany County Health Department still has appointments available for Moderna COVID booster vaccinations on Wednesday, November 24 at the Allegany County Fairgrounds.  A link to register can be found at health.maryland.gov/allegany. 

The health department also offers other vaccine doses on a walk-in basis at the fairgrounds each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  No appointment is needed to receive a first, second, or booster dose of Pfizer vaccine (ages 12 or older) or a first or second dose of Moderna (18 and older). 

Drive-thru COVID testing continues to be offered at the fairgrounds on Mondays from 2 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Allegany County COVID-19 case and vaccinations statistics as of November 18: