Health Department Seeks Help with Vaccinating Public

By Garrett County Joint Information Center Team

The Garrett County Health Department is interested in hearing from persons who have a medical background and may be able to commit to assisting the Health Department in their vaccination efforts. As vaccine supplies increase, additional vaccinators may be hired as temporary contract employees.

“If you have a healthcare background and would be available to help vaccinate individuals for COVID-19, please contact us,” said Garrett County Health Officer Bob Stephens. “We are interested in speaking with current or retired nurses, paramedics, EMTs, physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, dentists, etc. who have a desire and the time to assist us with our vaccination efforts.”

Anyone interested in discussing the possibilities of helping with the community vaccination program should call the Health Department at 301-334-7700.

Just over 30% of Garrett County residents have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. The current 7-day positivity rate for the county is 3.5%, with a case rate of 5.91 per 100,000. The total number of positive cases is 1,918 and a total of 61 deaths are attributed to COVID-19 and its complications.

Any Garrett County resident interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccination should visit garretthealth.org and fill out the Garrett County COVID-19 Vaccination Interest Form. For those unable to access the interest form, call 301-334-7698 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance. The form may be filled out by any Garrett County resident.

Currently, the Health Department is conducting free COVID-19 testing for persons with or without symptoms:

• On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the MEDCO Building in the McHenry Business Park. Pre-registration is recommended. Visit garretthealth.org for more information.

• On Monday through Friday by appointment only at the Garrett County Health Department in Oakland. Schedule an appointment by calling 301-334-7697.

For COVID-19 related questions, or to report a COVID-19 compliance issue, call the local COVID-19 Hotline number at 301-334-7698.