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COVID-19 Vaccine Updates 

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We all have questions regarding COVID vaccine information, availability and scheduling.  This is an ever changing topic that we will strive to keep you informed of here.  Check back for updates as information evolves..

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Has the staff at the PCC been vaccinated?

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Yes!  Vaccination for our medical and administrative staff is well underway.   While this is very good news, we will continue to adhere closely to CDC guidelines regarding masking, social distancing and enhanced cleaning protocols. 

 

When will my child be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?

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As of this writing (January 2021), we do not have any information about when the vaccine will be available for children under 16. 

For our patients who are 16 and older AND have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk of serious complications from COVID-19, we anticipate that they will be able to receive the vaccine once Maryland reaches Phase 2 of its vaccine distribution plan.  (DC residents with high-risk medical conditions will be eligible when DC reaches Phase 1C.) 

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What underlying medical conditions will meet Maryland’s criteria for priority vaccination?

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While we expect to receive more formal guidance once Maryland approaches Phase 2, patients with the following conditions will likely meet criteria for priority vaccination:

• Asthma (moderate to severe only – patients in this category typically require long-term daily medication to control their asthma symptoms); mild or intermittent asthma does not appear to increase risk for severe illness with COVID-19.

• Cancer (in active treatment or within 6 months of completing treatment)

• Chronic lung disease

• Chronic kidney disease

• Cystic fibrosis

• Diabetes mellitus

• Down Syndrome

• Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, and hypertension

• Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ or bone marrow transplant, immunodeficiencies, HIV, and/or long-term use of immunosuppressive medications

• Liver disease

• Obesity

• Sickle cell disease

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

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Once my child or I am eligible for the vaccine, how do I sign up?

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Please refer to the Maryland Department of Health’s covidLINK website for the most up-to-date information on vaccine eligibility and registration; for DC residents, similar information can be found here. 

Older adolescents and young adults with the medical conditions listed above will likely be able to receive the vaccine in Phase 2; everyone else over age 16 will be eligible during Phase 3.  We will all know more about the registration process once we near Phases 2 and 3.  Our office can provide appropriate documentation of our patients’ medical conditions should this be required for vaccination.

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