Prince George’s County officials looking to boost COVID-19 vaccine confidence

Vaccine concerns in Prince George’s County

Maryland may be getting more shots into people’s arms but FOX 5 has learned Prince George’s County is severely lagging when it comes to residents getting vaccinated.

BOWIE, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - Despite the presence of a mass vaccination site at Six Flags, Prince George’s County officials are still trying to get the coronavirus vaccine to more residents.

More than 15,000 people are heading to the site for vaccinations every day, but many of them are coming from homes outside of Prince George’s County.

Prince George’s County, which is over 60% Black or African American – and one of the hardest-hit counties in terms of positive cases – makes up 15% of the state population but are only around 7% have gotten the first dose.

The county has been the epicenter of the pandemic since it arrived in the DMV last year – but some health officials say there aren’t enough Prince George’s County residents coming to the mass vaccination center and other locations.

They say people are coming from 20 of Maryland’s 22 counties – but precious few are coming from one of the state’s most densely populated jurisdictions.

They want to find out what the problem might be – whether it’s a language concern or fears that the vaccine may not be safe.

Some of the trusted sources they’re reaching out to now to improve community confidence include local churches.

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Prince George’s County officials are trying to elevate the community’s vaccine confidence

Despite living in the epicenter of the pandemic in Maryland, too few Prince George's County residents are taking advantage of coronavirus vaccine eligibility, officials say.