Congressman Brown: Governor Hogan's Half Steps Aren't Enough To Improve Vaccinations

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04) released the following statement on Maryland's newly launched portal for mass vaccination sites and President Biden's announced plan to develop a federal one-stop website to help Americans find vaccinations:

"Governor Hogan's half steps and half measures to implement an organized vaccine appointment system through a comprehensive one-stop portal continues to hinder our vaccination efforts. Maryland lags behind the rest of the country in quickly and equitably administering vaccinations to our residents. The new portal for mass vaccination sites is not enough when so many available vaccines are routed through pharmacies and other health care centers.

"We cannot structure an equitable system if we are asking residents to spend hours checking different websites and filling out multiple forms in order to secure an appointment. That system puts working families at a default disadvantage. The COVID-19 vaccine isn't a luxury or a privilege, it is an absolute necessity for everyone.

"With the passage of the American Rescue Plan, Congress and President Biden are stepping up a nationwide vaccinations strategy. I applaud President Biden's announced forthcoming federal website to help Americans find vaccine appointments. My hope is that this portal, which will coincide with widespread vaccine eligibility, will help simplify and ease Americans frustrations particularly in states like Maryland who have failed to act."

Congressman Brown has introduced legislation to simplify vaccination registrations throughout the country. The VACCINE Act would provide grants to every state to create or maintain a centralized system for residents to register for a vaccine.

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