Hogan Says He’ll Take COVID Vaccine In Public To Build Trust

WMAL News

WASHINGTON – Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said both he and Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford are planning to get vaccinated in public in order to help build trust in the COVID-19 vaccine.

Hogan made the announcement during a press conference on Tuesday. With the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on the way, he also encouraged residents to continue the fight against the virus by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

“The cavalry is coming, a vaccine is on the way, but it is absolutely critical that we continue to fight this virus with everything we’ve got and we all need to keep doing the things that we know will keep us safe,” Hogan said.

During the event, Hogan and others also outlined how vaccine distribution in Maryland will work. According to Dr. Jinlene Chan, deputy secretary for public health with the Maryland Department of Health, the first doses of the Pfizer vaccine could be available as soon as next week.

The state is expected to receive 155,000 doses of the vaccine during the first phase. Chan said health care workers, first responders and those in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes will be the first groups to receive the vaccine.
Hogan also mentioned that the state will be launching a campaign to help build public trust in the vaccine. They will work closely with local leaders to try to convince people across the state to get the vaccine.

Copyright 2020 by WMAL.com. All Rights Reserved. Photo: AP

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