BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, January 27, 2021) — This evening, Mayor Brandon M. Scott released the following statement on Baltimore’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy and news that the Biden administration plans to boost the weekly supply of vaccines to states: 

Baltimore City has a thorough and dedicated plan for vaccine distribution, and we continue to work every day to grow our capacity to vaccinate Baltimoreans efficiently and equitably. We have a plan in place for mass vaccinations, mobile vaccinations, and providing second doses to those who have received the first round. In the coming weeks, additional mass vaccination sites will open in partnership with the State, expanding Baltimore’s capacity to vaccinate our residents.

Over the past few months, the City has worked hand-in-hand with our many hospital partners and healthcare institutions, which get their own unique allocations of the vaccine. Recently, that partnership was leveraged to accelerate the vaccination process for our teachers. The City has also implemented processes for vaccinating people experiencing homelessness and assisting older adults who lack access to the online-only appointment system mandated by the State. 

Vaccines are one of the most critical tools we have for ending the pandemic. I am encouraged by the demand for the vaccine on the part of Baltimore residents and look forward to growing that in the coming months. According to data available at the state level, 33,835 Baltimore City residents received the first dose of vaccine, and 7,513 had received their second dose. This means that at least 5.7% of all City residents received their first dose, and 1.27% had received their second dose. The percentage of residents receiving both doses is the third-highest for any jurisdiction in the State.

While I understand the frustration many feel with wanting to be vaccinated but not being able to get an appointment, I remind our residents that these challenges are not unique to our City or State. In fact, many state and local governments are grappling with the same core problem: there are not enough vaccines nationwide. That means the state is not getting the vaccines needed to supply all of the jurisdictions, including Baltimore. 

We are fully prepared and moving swiftly to vaccinate Baltimore City residents as rapidly as our supply allows us. I am encouraged by the recent news of President Biden purchasing more vaccine supply and am confident this means the problems we face will get better imminently. 

In the meantime, my administration will continue working with hospital partners to stand up capacity for mobile response teams to dose residents in our neighborhoods. We will also redouble our community engagement and outreach efforts, working with community leaders, businesses, faith leaders and residents to answer questions about the vaccine and address any hesitancy around taking it.

As I have since the start of the pandemic, I will continue to advocate for the health and wellbeing of Baltimore residents and provide frequent communication and updates as we navigate this public health emergency together. My administration remains committed to a coherent, collaborative, and equitable approach to mass vaccination in Baltimore.