Elderly and immunocompromised Marylanders are now eligible for COVID-19 booster shots

Details: The eligibility extends to those who live in nursing homes, assisted living facilities, drug treatment centers, and developmentally disabled group homes per WBAL TV.

• All pharmacies and providers are being instructed to provide booster shots without a prescription or doctor's orders to anyone who considers themselves immunocompromised, per a Maryland Department of Health guidance.

Background: The World Health Organization spoke out against wealthy countries giving booster shots on Wednesday, as poorer countries continue to struggle with obtaining vaccines.

• Top health officials have also warned against giving booster shots to the general public on President Biden's original date of Sep. 20th, so that regulators can have more time to review the necessary data.
• On Tuesday, Hogan announced that 95% of Marylanders have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

What he's saying: "All of the evidence makes it abundantly clear that we cannot afford to delay taking decisive action to protect our most vulnerable citizens," Hogan said on Wednesday.

• “Getting first shots in arms—especially among our most vulnerable populations—continues to be our primary mission,” Hogan said in a press release on Tuesday.