MEDSTAR TO VACCINATE MARYLAND BACKSTRETCH WORKERS
Press Release- April 26, 2021
MedStar Health, in conjunction with the Maryland Horsemen’s Health System, will be visiting Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course Monday, May 10, to administer the first round of COVID-19 vaccinations to members of the backstretch community.
Dr. Kelly Ryan of MedStar Health, which provides the physicians for the Horsemen’s Health System, arranged for the vaccine allotment through the help of the Maryland Department of Health and Dr. Mark Martin as well as Dr. Athol Morgan, a cardiologist and Thoroughbred racehorse owner.
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The vaccines were secured through the Maryland Vaccine Equity Task Force, which works with Maryland healthcare providers on COVID-19 vaccination efforts for underserved, vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations.
Ryan then worked with MedStar Health to provide the on-site vaccinations at the two tracks.
The vaccines will be administered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A MedStar mobile unit will be sent to the Laurel Park stable area adjacent the Recreation Room and Track Kitchen, while Pimlico will have a “clinic in a box” just inside the Horsemen’s Entrance in the physician’s office in the grandstand.
MedStar has hosted more than 25 such vaccination clinics in various community settings, officials said.
“This will be a really good thing for the backstretch community,” Ryan said. “It has been difficult getting this community vaccinated as a group, though we have signed up a lot of people individually.”
More than 100 people already have signed up for the vaccines through the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, with more than 120 vaccines expected to be available at Laurel Park and Pimlico combined. Individuals will be notified and an appointment scheduled.
The second round of Moderna vaccines will be administered at Laurel and Pimlico Monday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register here to receive the vaccine.
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