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Anne Arundel health department urges clarity on COVID-19, flu and RSV guidance as supply issues delay vaccinations
Summary
Health staff told the Board of Health that shifting federal and state vaccine recommendations, labeling changes and distribution delays have confused residents and providers and slowed earlier-season vaccination efforts, particularly for young children and high-risk adults.
County health officials told the Board of Health that differences between federal and state guidance, FDA labeling and shipping delays have complicated access to COVID-19 vaccines and other respiratory virus vaccines for residents and providers.
Key points: The state joined a regional public health collaborative to coordinate vaccine guidance; federal guidance at the time recommended COVID-19 vaccination primarily for people 65 and older, while shared clinical decision-making was encouraged for others. Gedna noted that pharmacies cannot administer off-label uses of vaccines and that FDA labeling changes have affected which providers can offer specific formulations.
Supply and access: The Vaccine for Children (VFC) program delayed shipments for children until CDC approval steps were completed; some providers and pharmacies had vaccine while others did not, producing uneven early-season access. Gedna said the department expects VFC shipments to resume and is monitoring distribution.
Children 6 months–23 months: Gedna flagged that the youngest pediatric group is vulnerable to hospitalization from respiratory viruses and that many pediatric providers had not stocked COVID-19 vaccine early in the season because of unpredictability in demand and supply. The health department said it is working to ensure access for families and plans to monitor uptake closely.
Local uptake (2024–25): Influenza coverage in the county was about 33% and COVID-19 vaccination about 16%; more than 70% of those vaccinated received shots at pharmacies. The department said it will continue outreach to high-risk groups and use wastewater surveillance (county dashboard) to inform public messaging.
Quotable: "This is encouraging people to talk to a medical provider ... that would include a pharmacist, a nurse," Gedna said describing shared clinical decision-making guidance for COVID-19 vaccination.
