The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Port Administration (MDOT MPA) and the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) are partnering to conduct clinics twice weekly beginning Tuesday, June 15, to offer the single dose Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine to visiting crew members on ships calling the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.
“Maryland continues to make progress administering the COVID-19 vaccine, and this clinic at the Port of Baltimore is a great opportunity for visiting ship’s crew members to join the effort,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “We encourage visiting ships to take advantage of this quick and easy way to get vaccinated.”
The vaccine will be available to any ship’s crew member visiting any of the state-owned, public marine terminals or privately-owned marine terminals within the Port of Baltimore. The clinic will be staffed by MIEMSS employees, who are licensed medical professionals, and will operate 7:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays until the end of July or until needs have been met.
“The Port of Baltimore is known across the maritime industry for its focus on safe, reliable and efficient operations,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “This vaccination clinic, offered with our partners at MIEMSS, reinforces our commitment to put health and safety at the forefront of everything we do.”
“Maryland is doing its part to help international seafarers get COVID-19 vaccinations as their ships deliver essential goods and cargo to the Port of Baltimore,” said MDOT MPA Executive Director William P. Doyle. “These hardworking individuals traverse the world’s oceans and spend long periods apart from their families. This vaccination clinic is a great opportunity to provide them piece of mind and let them know Maryland appreciates their service.”
“The single best way to be protected from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Ted Delbridge, MIEMSS Executive Director. “We are motivated to reach as many communities and people as possible. With this effort we hope to improve accessibility to our maritime community, who has been hard at work throughout the pandemic.”
Crew members wishing to be vaccinated must provide official identification (passports preferred) and be required to read and sign registration forms prior to receiving a vaccine. Crew members with limited English language familiarization should be accompanied by a crew member or escort who can assist them. Upon administration of the vaccine crew members will be required to remain at the clinic for an observation period as prescribed by onsite licensed medical professionals. Prior to exiting the clinic each crewmember will receive a proof of vaccination.
Crew members coming to and from MDOT MPA facilities are required to adhere to all security procedures while exiting and entering the terminals. The health and safety of our workforce is paramount, and the Port has maintained CDC-recommended health and safety measures to ensure the safety of its labor force, tenants and partners.
