UPDATES
Dear Friends,
 
Greetings during this snowy month. Below please find several updates which include vaccine distribution and registration, the RELIEF ACT which passed to help the economic disadvantaged and small businesses and a FREE tax preparation resource.

I continue to receive many complaints about the disjointed system for accessing the COVID vaccine. Last week I spent a great deal of time in hearings pressing the Maryland Department of Health for more assistance and coordination in assuring the most vulnerable in our County are receiving the vaccine in a timely and reasonable manner. We are starting to see small progress and hoping each week the coordination improves. I have requested that the Governor immediately spend the federal relief money he is still holding on vaccine administration for our County to address the disproportionate impact we have in COVID infection. 
 
Please continue to do your part to help control the spread of COVID and wear a mask, avoid crowds, and sing a short song while you are washing your hands. We are starting to round the corner in conquering this virus.
 
I do my best work in Annapolis when I hear from you, so please keep sending me your comments, questions and concerns regarding the legislative session.  
 
Sincerely, 
Geraldine 
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate, Maryland House of Delegates, District 23A
"Follow" me on Twitter 
Maryland Department of Health
Vaccine Administration Data
  • Maryland has administered over 1 million vaccines thus far and is averaging over 26,700 shots per day. Approximately 12.1 % of the Maryland population has been vaccinated with the first dose and 5.3% with the second dose.

  • Please see this link to monitor how the state is doing in inoculating residents.
Vaccination Options
  • The ongoing series of winter storms has caused delays in vaccine shipments. If you have an appointment in the coming days, be sure to check with your provider to confirm whether your vaccination clinic will be operating.


  • Vaccinations are by appointment only.

  • Please explore all options for getting vaccinated and please be persistent. Currently only those persons in Phases 1A, 1B and 1C are eligible. See which phase you are in by going to this webpage. 
  • There are four groups of providers in Maryland administering the vaccine: county health departments, hospital systems, retail pharmacies and mass state run vaccination sites.

  • Pre-registration on each website is required.

  • When an appointment is available you will receive a return email informing you to schedule your appointment.
 
 
Hospital systems:
  

  • Luminis Health (includes Anne Arundel Medical Center and Doctor’s Hospital) 
  

Retail pharmacies, such as Giant and Safeway:


Maryland Mass Vaccination Locations – Six sites will open around the state. See the links below for the three that are currently open: 



Telephone Vaccine Hotlines
For pre-registration process questions or for assistance in registering for a vaccine appointment via telephone there are two phone numbers:

  • Prince George’s County has a telephone hotline where you can speak to someone on the phone. Please dial 311--- then press '#' for vaccine registration help. There will be live operator to assist those with challenges pre-registering or those without access to the internet. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.

  • There is also a State of Maryland telephone hotline available for residents specifically for the mass vaccination sites. The COVID-19 Vaccination Support Center—is available at 1-855-MDGOVAX  (1-855-634-6829).

  • Text MDReady to 898-211 to receive appointment notifications for the State’s mass vaccination sites.


Maryland General Assembly Passes the RELIEF ACT for Pandemic Relief
  • The bipartisan RELIEF Act of 2021 will bring relief to struggling Marylanders and small businesses and deliver more than $1 billion in tax relief and economic stimulus as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
   
  • As a result of this legislation, people who have lost their jobs will not have to pay state and local income taxes on their unemployment benefits.

  • Tax relief for small businesses will be offered to over 55,000 small businesses.

  • In addition, direct relief checks will go out to hundreds of thousands of Marylanders in need and families will receive expanded tax relief through the Earned Income Tax Credit.

  • Please read more RELIEF act details here.
Free Tax Preparation through
Cash Campaign of Maryland
The Cash Campaign of Maryland offers free tax preparation and direct deposit services for qualifying families. If you made less than $57,000 in 2020, then you might qualify for free tax preparation services. The Cash Campaign has IRS-certified volunteers at nonprofits and local agencies who can assist with e-filing your taxes and will direct deposit your refund into your account. You can learn more about this program by visiting this link or calling 800-492-0618.
By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer