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    • Sep 26, 2023

COVID-19 Vaccines and Testing in the Mid-Shore Region

Vaccination remains the best available protection against the most severe outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. COVID-19 vaccines also reduce the chance of having Long COVID.



Who should get the vaccine? If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccine in the past 2 months, CDC recommends getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself in advance of any potential surges in virus circulation this fall and winter.


Is there a cost for the vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines remain free for most Americans through their health insurance plans – or through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which provides recommended vaccines and immunizations at no cost to about half of the nation’s children.



https://www.kff.org/infographic/insurance-coverage-of-updated-covid-19-vaccines-a-cheat-sheet/

  • Private insurance companies are mandated to cover this vaccine with no copay. What has changed since last year? Insurers are no longer required to pay for “out-of-network”. You may need to get your vaccine at your doctor’s office if your pharmacy is not in-network with your insurance plan.

  • Uninsured or underinsured adults: CVS/Walgreens are required by federal law to cover your COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to you, thanks to the new Bridge Program. Choptank Community Health System is also participating as a federally qualified health center.

  • Uninsured or underinsured kids: Vaccines for Children cover all kid’s vaccines, not just COVID-19, for those that cannot pay.

Need help finding a COVID‑19 vaccine?

Call 1-800-232-0233 or visit https://www.vaccines.gov/

 

Testing

  • You can once again receive free COVID-19 tests by mail. Place orders through https://www.covid.gov/tests

  • Most health departments do not routinely offer PCR tests. Doctors offices or urgent care centers may.

  • Rapid tests are available at local pharmacies, supermarkets and major retail chains. Rapid tests are also available for free through local health departments and satellite partners, while supplies last.




Caroline County Health Department

Rapid tests available for pickup at the Health Department


Dorchester County Health Department

Rapid tests available for pickup to the public at the DCHD Satellite Center and other various sites throughout the county:

  • Cambridge – Library, Cambridge Empowerment Center, Eastern Shore Wellness Solutions, Cambridge Seventh Day Adventist, St. Mary’s Refuge of Sinners, Greater Refuge Temple Church of God, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church

  • Hurlock – Library, Town Hall, Police Department, Hurlock United Methodist Church

  • East New Market Town Hall

  • Eldorado Brookview Fire Hall

  • Vienna Town Hall

PCR Testing: Drive-up COVID-19 testing is available by same-day appointment for symptomatic individuals, Monday - Friday at the DCHD.


Kent County Health Department

https://kenthd.org 410-778-1350

Rapid Tests are available at the Health Department and the Kent County Library- Chestertown branch.


Queen Anne’s County Health Department

Rapid Tests are available at the Health Department


Talbot County Health Department

Rapid Tests are available at the Health Department. May be available at Easton and St. Michaels library branches while supplies last.


 

For more information about COVID-19, including how long to isolate/quarantine, visit the CDC here


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