April 5th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

In order to continue to facilitate vaccination efforts in Allegany County and to better serve the community, UPMC Western Maryland is pleased to once again hold registration for its upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinic to be held Friday, April 9 in the hospital auditorium.

Individuals who live in or work in Allegany County age 55 and older as well as essential workers in critical industries are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Individuals age 16-64 with underlying medical conditions that increase the risk for COVID-19, along with those who were previously eligible may also register. Community members are encouraged to consult the state of Maryland’s Phase 2C guidelines. For the list of priority groups within the state of Maryland, please visit the state’s list at https://covidlink.maryland.gov/content/vaccine/.

The April 9 clinic will administer the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, an immunization only given to individuals age 18 or older. Those interested in reserving a spot must call 240-964-1000 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 6. Slots will be offered to callers on a first-come, first-served basis. Clinic registration is also available online at https://www.marylandvax.org//reg/2519296013. No walk-in appointments will be honored.

Individuals who are successfully scheduled to get the vaccine should enter the hospital through the entrance adjacent to the parking garage where they will be screened and then directed to registration where they will be required to show their driver’s license or another valid form of identification.

UPMC Western Maryland recognizes the importance of safely distributing the COVID-19 vaccine to its community members, and is pleased to be able to offer this additional option along with the other opportunities now available in Allegany County. While the number of individuals wishing to be vaccinated still outnumber the doses available, multiple additional clinics will be scheduled in the coming weeks with details to be announced soon.