News Flash

"With FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine for children aged 12-15, we are extremely pleased to start vaccinating more members of our community," said Dr. Valerie A. Arkoosh, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners. "The COVID-19 vaccine is now easier than ever to access and we encourage anyone who would like to receive the vaccine to sign up or walk up to one of our clinics."

Updated Masking Guidance for Outdoor Sports & Exercise: Effective Friday, May 14, 2021, the Montgomery County Office of Public Health no longer requires masking/face covering while individuals are participating in high exertion activities outdoors, i.e. playing sports or exercising. In accordance with CDC and PADOH guidelines, masking guidance remains unchanged when individuals cannot maintain sustained physical distance of at least 6 feet from persons outside of their household, when on the sidelines, when outdoors with a mixture of vaccinated and unvaccinated people, and when attending crowded outdoor activities. Indoor masking guidance remains unchanged. 

Second Shot Availability Expanded: Montgomery County announced expanded access to second doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for anyone who needs one. This includes college students who may be coming home from school before they were able to get their second Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine shot. To register for a second shot, visit vaccine.montcopa.org and click “start registration” to register for an appointment. When prompted, click “yes” to indicate you have received your first dose and it will take you through the standard questions to schedule a second dose appointment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Available for Anyone 12 and Up: Appointments for the COVID-19 vaccine are available for everyone age 12 and over. Appointments are recommended but not required. Walk-up registration is available at all sites. To see a list of clinic hours and locations, visit www.montcopa.org/covid-19vaccine or call (833) 875-3967. For directions and parking information, click here.

Montgomery County is currently administering Pfizer vaccine for those aged 12 and older and the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine for those aged 18 and older. The J&J vaccine has not been authorized for those under the age of 18. Anyone under the age of 18 coming to a vaccine clinic must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Parents or guardians bringing children aged 12-17 to get vaccinated should make sure they are attending a Pfizer vaccine clinic. Pfizer is the only vaccine authorized for people under the age of 18. Pfizer and J&J clinics are listed at www.montcopa.org/covid-19vaccine.

Transportation to any vaccine appointment in Montgomery County is available at no cost to the rider. Calling ahead is encouraged.

COVID-19 Rent & Utility Relief: The COVID-19 Rent and Utility Relief Program, administered by Your Way Home, allows eligible households to receive up to 12 months of assistance for rent and utility bills dating back to March 13, 2020. Assistance can be for past due rent and/or utility payments or future rent payments. Funding for security deposits, first and/or last month of rent is also eligible as part of the program. There is no financial limit on the amount of assistance a household can receive.