LEONARDTOWN, MD (October 17, 2023) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved the distribution of the updated COVID-19 vaccine to combat the newest strains of the virus circulating in the United States. Most adults and children age 6 months and older are advised to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall season. The updated COVID-19 vaccine can be administered at the same time as this season’s updated flu vaccine.
Most people can get the updated COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to them. The vaccine will be covered by several health insurance plans, including most private, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. Uninsured children and uninsured adults also have access to the updated vaccine through the Vaccine for Children and Bridge Access Programs.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available through local health care providers and pharmacies. SMCHD will offer the Covid-19 vaccine to children aged 6 months through 18 years of age through scheduled clinics. Clinic details can be found at smchd.org/covid-19. SMCHD will also offer the updated Covid-19 vaccine to uninsured adults at the SMCHD Health Clinic in Leonardtown on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. by appointment. To make a vaccine appointment, please call SMCHD at 301-475-4330.
Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19-related serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination may also be associated with a lower likelihood of post-COVID conditions (“Long COVID”), which can develop during or sometime after infection and involve symptoms such as extended fatigue, confusion/”brain fog”, and breathing problems.
“Staying up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccination, including getting the new version of the vaccine updated for current COVID-19 strains, continues to be a key defense against serious COVID-19 illness and post-COVID conditions,” said Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary’s County Health Officer. “Most adults and children are eligible for this updated vaccine. Please talk with your personal health care provider about timing the new vaccine if you have recently had COVID-19 infection or another COVID-19 vaccine.”
For more information about COVID-19 and precautions to avoid illness, please visit smchd.org/covid-19.
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