​​COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to prevent serious illness due to COVID-19. The vaccine teaches our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

There are updated COVID-19 vaccines available for Marylanders 6 months and older, updated to better fight current variants. Marylanders 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of the updated COVID vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) if it has been at least two months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the FDA, unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. For those in that age group who have been vaccinated, the number and timing of doses depend on the doses they’ve previously received. 

Vaccinations are available through pediatricians and other physicians, hospitals, local health departments, and pharmacies. To find a COVID-19 vaccine location near you, search vaccines.gov. You can also contact your healthcare provider, pharmacist, or local health department for more details on how to receive a vaccine.