Vaccines for COVID-19 are being administered in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia right now.
Those who are eligible to receive the vaccine can find all the information and resources they need on the vaccine below.
COVID-19 VACCINE OPTIONS
There are three options for the COVID-19 vaccine which have received an Emergency Use Authorizations by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, the Moderna vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a disabled adenovirus to deliver the instructions on how to defeat COVID-19. DC Health recommends that you take the first vaccine available to you.
VACCINE DOSES & EFFECTIVENESS
For the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the CDC states that two doses of the vaccine are needed. The recommended time between the first and second doses is 21 days for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 28 days for the Moderna vaccine. It is important to get both doses of the same vaccine, or the vaccine might not work as well. The first shot helps the immune system recognize the virus, and the second shot strengthens the immune response. Per the CDC, you need both to get the best protection.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose of the vaccine for maximum effectiveness.
Clinical trials have shown all three vaccines to be about 95% effective at preventing symptomatic COVID-19.
VACCINATION APPOINTMENTS PRE-REGISTRATION
In order to receive the vaccine, you must register for an appointment.
To pre-register for a COVID-19 vaccination appointment, visit the following resources below.
In order to pre-register in Maryland, you must visit the COVID-19 pre-registration site for the county you will be vaccinated in. More information on Maryland COVID-19 vaccine registration can be found here.
Once you are pre-registered, you may be contacted via email or phone to book an appointment once you are in the current priority group.
For more information on the order of COVID-19 vaccinations and the plan for vaccine rollout, visit the CDC’s information page here.
To sign up to receive vaccine updates, visit the subscriber sign up page here.
VACCINE LOCATIONS
Vaccinations are available through hospitals, local health departments, pharmacies, and mass vaccination sites. You will find a list of these that you can choose from while you register for your COVID-19 vaccine.
TRANSPORTATION ASSISTANCE
The District’s Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) cover all transportation (free of charge) to and from all medically covered services and appointments. To request transportation, the Enrollee should call the following number to schedule the service:
- AmeriHealth Caritas DC | Call 1-800-315-3485. Rides available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- CareFirst Community Health Plan DC | Call MTM1 at 1-855-824-5693. Rides available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Health Services for Children with Special Needs | Call SET Transportation at 1-866-991-5433
- MedStar Family Choice DC | Call 1-866-201-9974