Baltimore County frontline workers, first responders receive Moderna vaccine

BALTIMORE — It was historic day at the Maryland State Fairgrounds as Baltimore County administered the Moderna vaccine for the first time.

“This is major,” said Baltimore County Health Officer Dr. Gregory Branch. “I liken it to when you see a movie and it’s a movie about a war and you’re losing, people are dying and we don’t know what to do. And then you hear the calvary and you know it’s a game changer. Well, today the calvary is that COVID-19 vaccine.”

Baltimore County received a hundred doses of the vaccine from the state in the morning. By the evening—frontline workers and first responders lined up to get their shot.

Rene Youngfellow works at a county health center and became the first county employee to receive the vaccine.

“I feel fine,” she said. “The benefits outweigh any fears that I had and I didn’t want to pass up an opportunity to protect myself and my family because I am exposed a lot. I’ve been working through this pandemic.”

Despite the vaccine, Dr. Branch said it’s important for people to continue to stay vigilant until herd immunity is reached.

“It’s going to make thing better, but not overnight,” he said. “Wear your mask. watch your distance and wash your hands.”

The county said they’re expecting more vaccines from the state in the coming weeks .