About this toolkit
This toolkit contains information related to the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines. Montgomery County physicians were among the first to receive the vaccine, as well as administer it to patients. While guidance continues to evolve and additional details are released, the MCMS Immunization Task Force has created this toolkit to provide updates on COVID-19 vaccination distribution in Montgomery County, collate guidance on vaccine handling and storage, promote strong vaccination recommendations to patients, and answer frequently asked questions from physician members.
Jump to a toolkit section: Local Resources - Preparing to Administer the Vaccine - CDC Guidance & AMA Resources - Frequently Asked Questions
Children 12-15 Now Eligible for Boosters
The Maryland Department of Health updated Maryland's vaccination plan to allow children aged 12-15 to seek booster shots 5 months after their first series as of January 6, 2022. It has also been promoted to patients directly on state websites and by the Governor during a recent press conference.
Pfizer Vaccines for Children 5-11
Children 5 years and older can get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Children 5 through 11 years old will receive a separate vaccine formulation denoted with an orange cap of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine that has one-third the dose given to adolescents and adults, and will receive the vaccine with a smaller needle. An overview of the description of the differences in the adult/adolescent formulation and pediatric formulationpdf icon is available.
Children between the ages of 2 and 4 years old, other unvaccinated children 5 years or older and adults should continue to wear a mask in public spaces and around people they don’t live with.
Third Dose & Booster Updates from CDC - 10.21.21
On Thursday, October 21, 2021, CDC published new recommendations for booster shots of all three COVID-19 vaccines.
For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot at 6 months or more after their initial series:
- 65 years and older
- Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
- Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
- Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings
For the nearly 15 million people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.
There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received and others, may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
Where can patients access booster shots in Maryland?
To access a list of booster shots near you, visit the state of Maryland's Vaccine Finder and enter your address. The state's listing includes state vaccination sites, county-sponsored clinics, and local pharmacies.