The Scramble for Vaccine and Herd Immunity
Jane Jewell • February 16, 2021
The roll-out of the covid-19 vaccine began shortly before Christmas 2020. Immediately, a national scramble to get and administer the vaccine began. States complained that they were not getting the weekly allotments of vaccine that they had been promised. Stories of ruined and discarded doses appeared as did announcments that a large reserve supply of vaccine would be released. It turned out there was no reserve supply.
In mid-January, Phase 1B of the roll-out started. That phase extended vaccine eligibility beyond medical personnel, first responders, and the residents and staff of nursing homes. Now older people and those at higher risk could — in theory — get the vaccine. In practice, however, people are spending long hours trying to navigate complicated online vaccine registration systems only to be told there are no appointments available. Calls to vaccine numbers have gone unanswered or just referred desperate people back to the same clogged registration systems. Those who did manage to get vaccine appointments often had those appointments canceled due to numerous problems including weather, lack of vaccine, lack of vaccine supplies such as needles, and lack of enough people trained to administer the shots. It’s been frustrating for all involved.
Despite this stumbling start to the massive national vaccination program, progress has been made and the kinks in the system are slowly being ironed out.
As of now, mid-February, over 30 million people in the U.S. have received a first dose and close to seven million of those have received their second dose. Only another 300 million people to go! Which means that in the U.S., we need 600 million doses of vaccine since it takes two shots to achieve a strong immune response.
The good news is that the federal government has now contracted for all 600 million doses. They are scheduled to arrive by late May or early June. With luck, they will all be in arms by fall 2021 and we can start getting back to normal.
Currently, as of February 11, U.S. providers are vaccinating approximately 1.5 million people per day. That’s well over the goal set by the Biden administration of one million shots per day during the first 100 days. It’s also a significant increase from the 1.1 million vaccinated per day at the beginning of February.
However, the U.S. is still far behind several other countries. Leading the world as of February 11 is Israel, where over 65 percent of the population has received at least one shot. The island nation of the Seychelles at 46 percent, the United Arab Republics at 44 percent, and the United Kingdom at 20 percent are all ahead of us. In the U.S., around 12 percent have been vaccinated.
In Maryland as of February 14, just under 880,000 vaccines have been given. That represents 639,502 initial shots and 237,830 second doses. That’s almost 11 percent of the state’s population with one dose and almost 4 percent with two shots. A little over 22,000 of those vaccinations have been on the Eastern Shore.
The number of vaccine doses allotted per week to each Maryland county is calculated based on population. Since most Eastern Shore counties have relatively small populations, all except Cecil and Wicomico counties receive the minimum number of first doses, which is 300 per week, supplies permitting. Cecil and Wicomico are each allotted 700 doses per week. Below is a table showing the number of weekly vaccine doses that each county is supposed to receive. Several times, the state has not received their full allotment from the federal government and thus the local deliveries of vaccine were reduced.
This is one time when having a smaller population actually confers a political advantage. Because 300 doses is the minimum distribution, that turns out to be a bigger allotment per person than in heavily populated areas. Thus some of the smaller Eastern Shore counties have been able to vaccinate a higher percentage of their people. As of February 14, Kent County at 20 percent has the highest percentage of its population vaccinated with at least a first dose. Worcester County is second with 17 percent vaccinated. Talbot County is third at just under 17 percent. The lowest vaccination rate in the state to date is Prince George’s County on the Western Shore at 5 percent. Charles County and Baltimore City, also on the other side of the bay, are second and third lowest at 7 percent and 9 percent respectively. Cecil and Somerset counties are the lowest on the Eastern Shore with 9 percent and 10 percent vaccinated.
The Maryland Department of Health requires a certain percentage of each week’s allotment to go to teachers and other education personnel. For the seven Eastern Shore counties receiving 300 doses per week, that means 100 doses per week to education. Other requirements may be in place. In Kent County for example, 50 more of those first doses are reserved for those in continuity of government. In addition, 75 doses are reserved for seniors needing assistance. The remaining 75 available vaccine appointments are posted publicly on Wednesday mornings. These appointments are generally snapped up within 10 minutes or less. Those snagging an appointment should check for requirements but generally a government ID, proof of age and residency, and insurance cards are required along with proof of employment if the person is eligible for the vaccine due to their job in an essential occupation.
Medical experts all agree that 70-90 percent of a population need to be vaccinated for herd immunity to be attained. So we still have a long way to go. But, barring unforeseen difficulties, it can be done by fall. So hang in there. For seniors experiencing difficulty getting an appointment for the vaccine, check out the list in this companion article.
Sources and more information:
“Rate of COVID-19 vaccination worldwide as of February 11, 2021, by country” (per 100 people)”
“See How the Vaccine Rollout Is Going in Your State” Updated Feb. 13, 2021
Maryland Department of Health; Updates on Maryland’s COVID-19 Vaccine Plan (Week 9 Allocation).
”With More Vaccines Secured, Biden Warns of Hurdles to Come”
“Vaccinations in Maryland” Maryland Department of Health Covid-19 Data Dashboard
Jane Jewell is a writer, editor, photographer, and teacher. She has worked in news, publishing, and as the director of a national writer's group. She lives in Chestertown with her husband Peter Heck, a ginger cat named Riley, and a lot of books.
Common Sense for the Eastern Shore
The Republican Congress and President Trump are causing a health care crisis and Democrats are trying to fix it. Passed in July, the GOP budget reconciliation bill is drastically cutting health insurance programs to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Rep. Andrew P. Harris (R-MD01) voted for the budget reconciliation bill. He voted, knowing that his vote would mean that health care costs would rise for 25,000 of his constituents in Maryland’s First Congressional District:
Efforts by the Trump administration to delay a critical court case over Maryland’s offshore wind project have failed, marking another setback in the president’s campaign to block renewable energy development along the East Coast. On Oct. 2, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie Gallagher denied a motion filed by the Department of Justice to pause an ongoing lawsuit involving US Wind’s proposed 114-turbine wind farm off Ocean City. The administration had argued that the federal government’s shutdown prevents its attorneys from continuing the case. The judge’s swift rejection ensures that the litigation and progress on one of Maryland’s most significant clean energy projects will continue. Initially filed by Ocean City officials and a small group of residents nearly a year ago, the suit challenges the federal approval of US Wind’s project, which would deliver enough clean electricity to power more than 700,000 homes. Under the Biden administration, the federal government had defended the project in partnership with US Wind. That stance was reversed after Trump took office earlier this year and installed officials hostile to offshore wind. In September, the Trump administration filed a separate motion seeking to vacate federal approval for the Maryland project altogether, a move widely condemned by environmental advocates, labor groups, and business leaders who see offshore wind as a cornerstone of Maryland’s energy and economic future. US Wind responded forcefully to the shutdown motion, warning the court that the administration’s attempts to delay proceedings could allow it to undermine the project’s approval behind the scenes quietly. The company argued that halting the case would create “existential risks” for the future of Maryland’s offshore wind industry. Judge Gallagher agreed that the case should move forward, setting the next status hearing for Oct. 7. The Trump administration’s repeated efforts to obstruct offshore wind development come as Maryland and other states have invested heavily in building the infrastructure, workforce, and port facilities needed to anchor the growing clean energy industry. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has championed the sector as a key driver for well-paying jobs and long-term economic resilience for the Eastern Shore. Supporters of US Wind point out that the project will bring over $1 billion in investment to Maryland, generate thousands of construction and maintenance jobs, and help deliver cleaner, more affordable energy to homes and businesses across the region. “Offshore wind isn’t just about turbines, it’s about jobs, innovation, and independence,” one clean energy advocate said after the ruling. “Every delay costs working Marylanders opportunity, and this decision ensures progress continues.” While the broader lawsuit over the project’s approval is ongoing, the latest ruling represents a clear win for those fighting to keep Maryland’s offshore wind future on track — and a blow to Trump’s attempt to turn back the clock on clean energy.
Maryland has eight congressional districts, and the seats for all but District 01 are filled by Democrats. As we well know, the First District representative is a Republican — Andrew P. Harris. Here’s what Maryland’s congressional district map is now.
With standing room only at Salisbury’s Historic Poplar Hill Mansion, and blending policy, community service, and grassroots energy, Megan Outten launched her campaign for Wicomico County Council District 7 before almost 100 supporters on Oct. 4. The event drew community residents, labor leaders, and local officials, many of whom also helped to pack nearly 300 care kits for Wicomico residents in need. The community service effort doubled as a campaign statement about what Outten calls “choosing connection over convenience.” District 7 is one of Wicomico’s newly drawn single-member districts, with a Democratic advantage of 7.7%. Outten recalled her family’s history of service in Fruitland and Salisbury. “Service isn’t just politics in my family,” she said. “It’s how you belong to a place. It’s how you prove you care.” She pointed to the county’s landfill crisis, water and septic system failures, and school underfunding as examples of leadership that reacts rather than plans. “This is what happens when leaders only react after things break,” she said. “It costs us more. It hurts families. It robs our kids of the future they deserve.” Outten was joined by several local leaders who offered strong endorsements and reflections on her record. AFSCME Local 3 Eastern Shore representative Jack Hughes praised her leadership on the Salisbury City Council, crediting her with helping pass the Eastern Shore’s first municipal labor code, a significant win for city workers and first responders. Councilman Josh Hastings, who represents the district and is running for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 38B, said Outten would be “crucial in carrying forward the progress we’ve made” on clean water, schools, and infrastructure planning. Whitney Snowden-Olanrewaju from Blending Cultures, a non-profit organization that promotes diversity and equality, spoke about Outten’s record of community inclusion and bridge-building across diverse groups. Outten’s campaign is expected to roll out additional endorsements in the coming weeks. In her speech, she outlined a platform focused on fully funding schools, investing in infrastructure before it fails, and ensuring that county government works for everyone. “This campaign is not mine,” she told the crowd. “It’s ours. I am not standing above you. I am standing with you. And together, we will put Wicomico families first.” With enthusiasm, endorsements, and her message that’s focused on service and accountability, Outten’s kickoff reinforced that District 7 is already shaping up to have a strong favorite in 2026.
Community Rallies After Theft of Car Containing Hundreds of Care Kits for Wicomico Residents in Need
An act of inhumanity in Salisbury has sparked an outpouring of compassion. Early on Oct. 5, community organizer Jared Schablein’s car was stolen from his backyard. Inside the vehicle were hundreds of care kits assembled just days earlier during Megan Outten’s Wicomico County Council District 7 campaign kickoff event. Packed by volunteers at Salisbury’s Poplar Hill Mansion, the kits contained feminine hygiene products, socks, and toiletries meant for Wicomico County residents facing housing insecurity. “Those kits were meant for neighbors in need,” said Schablein. “If nothing else, I hope whoever took them returns them. Getting those care kits to the folks who need them matters more to me than anything else.” Schablein and Outten have turned the theft into action, launching a new effort called the “Care Kits Comeback Drive.” The event, scheduled for Oct. 12 at 2pm at Poplar Hill Mansion, aims to replace every lost kit, and more. Volunteers are asked to bring or donate items such as sanitary wipes, socks, toothpaste, period products, and underwear. Donations will support the Wicomico County Library, Help and Outreach Point of Entry, and other local service organizations. In announcing the new drive, Schablein emphasized the deeper meaning behind the effort: “When acts of inhumanity happen, the best response is acts of humanity. We’re showing that Salisbury’s compassion can’t be stolen.” Despite the setback, organizers say community support has been overwhelming. Donations began arriving within hours of the announcement, and several local groups have offered to distribute supplies once the new kits are complete. The theft is still under investigation by the Salisbury Police Department. As one volunteer put it at the last event, “Community isn’t guaranteed, it’s built.” This Sunday, Salisbury will build it again.
What began as a grassroots campaign to preserve a parcel of local land has become one of the most inspiring community movements on the Eastern Shore. Led by residents James and Mikele Dahlen and Holly Campbell, alongside dozens of volunteers, the Save Connelly Mill Park effort reached a significant milestone last week as Maryland Secretary of Natural Resources Josh Kurtz toured the site with local and state officials to explore opportunities for partnership and permanent protection. On Sept. 23, citizens gathered at Connelly Mill Park with a delegation of state and county leaders, including Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Del. Barry Beauchamp, County Council President John Cannon, Vice President Jeff Merritt, Councilman James Winn, and local municipal representatives from Delmar and Salisbury. The tour marked the strongest signal to date that the state may play an active role in turning the park’s long-promised vision into reality. Advocates for Save Connelly Mill Park presented Kurtz with a booklet outlining the site’s environmental, historical, and economic importance. The presentation highlighted Connelly Mill’s potential to become a keystone of Wicomico’s park system — protecting the Paleochannel aquifer, preserving wildlife habitats, and providing much-needed green space for recreation and community gathering. Located just five miles from Salisbury, the 234-acre property has rolling forest, wetlands, and unique topography that advocates say could one day make it the “Central Park of Wicomico County.” “The natural beauty of Connelly Mill spoke for itself,” said one organizer after the event. “What we have here is not just land, it’s a promise to future generations.” Adding to the momentum, the community’s advocacy materials were presented directly to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore the next day at the Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield, where he was briefed on the citizens’ efforts and growing local support. The proposed park would provide walking trails, open space for families, and educational opportunities while safeguarding vital water resources and promoting mental, physical, and social well-being for county residents. For many, the movement to save Connelly Mill has come to represent more than just one park. It’s about accountability, long-term planning, and ensuring public commitments to community spaces are kept. “We’re not out of the woods yet,” the group shared in a recent update. “But the spotlight is on Connelly Mill, and the momentum is growing.” As the state evaluates whether to designate Connelly Mill as a Partnership Park, supporters say they will continue to meet with officials and rally community engagement to ensure this once-forgotten project finally fulfills its promise. If realized, Connelly Mill would not only protect vital natural resources — it would stand as testament to what determined citizens can build when they refuse to give up.
