Covid-19 Information
Whether you're looking to get tested, get vaccinated, or find other general information, see our resources below for Howard County residents regarding COVID-19.
Questions? Contact Us
If you have a question about COVID-19, please call our Public Readiness Phone line, available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
COVID-19 Vaccine
If you don't have health insurance and want to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine, call us at 410-313-6284. We'll assist you in scheduling an appointment with the Health Department or another place that offers the vaccine.
If you have private health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid, you can check with your healthcare provider, local pharmacy/urgent care to find places offering COVID-19 vaccines in your area. If you have questions about what your insurance covers or if you might have to pay, get in touch with your insurance provider directly. If you are Homebound, call us at 410-313-6284 for assistance arranging for a vaccination.
For additional COVID-19 vaccine information, please visit our COVID-19 Vaccine webpage.
For more information about getting an updated COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine webpage
Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People
COVID-19 vaccine information for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised.
COVID-19 Vaccination for People Who Would Like to Have a Baby
Information on COVID-19 vaccines for people who would like to have a baby.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Women Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding
What you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
COVID-19 Vaccination for Long-term Care Residents
Information about COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care residents.
Maryland MyIR is a free website service that allows consumers to view and print copies of their official vaccination records directly from ImmuNet, Maryland's immunization information system. ImmuNet is used by healthcare providers to securely maintain vaccination records for Maryland residents of all ages.
Go to MyIR Mobile to get started
For assistance using the portal, contact the ImmuNet Help Desk at 410-767-6606.
COVID-19 Testing
The Health Department no longer provides at-home COVID-19 test kits, including the tests that were previously available at County Libraries and Senior Centers.
Tests may be purchased in store or online from many retailers. Check with your health insurance provider to determine if assistance paying for tests may be available.
The Federal government is no longer accepting orders for free Covid-19 tests.
Before You Throw Out "Expired" Tests: Check to see if your COVID-19 tests' expiration dates have been extended.
Preventing the Spread of COVID-19
Background
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill. Older adults and people who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill. Post-COVID conditions can include a wide range of health problems that can last four or more weeks after contracting COVID-19. Even those who do not become severely ill from COVID-19 may experience post-COVID conditions, sometimes referred to as Long COVID. For more information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) About COVID-19.
How it spreads
COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:
- Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
- Having small droplets and particles that contain the virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
- Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.
Symptoms
People with COVID-19 have reported a wide range of symptoms – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus.
Common COVID-19 symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and vary depending on vaccination status. Learn more here about CDC COVID-19 Symptoms.
Being COVID-19 Positive
Stay home and away from others (including people you live with who are not sick) if you have respiratory virus symptoms that aren't better explained by another cause. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose, and headache, among others.
- You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
- Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
- When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors. This is especially important to protect people with factors that increase their risk of severe illness from respiratory viruses.
- Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
- If you develop a fever or you start to feel worse after you have gone back to normal activities, stay home and away from others again until, for at least 24 hours, both are true: your symptoms are improving overall, and you have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication). Then take added precaution for the next 5 days.
- Keep in mind that you may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. You are likely to be less contagious at this time, depending on factors like how long you were sick or how sick you were.
You can also contact the Health Department at 410-313-6284 for additional guidance regarding the precautions you should take.
- Stay home and away from others if you are feeling sick.
- Return to normal activities when symptoms improve and you are fever free for 24 hours without medication.
- For the next 5 days, wear a mask and limit close contact with others, especially those at risk for severe illness
- Identify and notify close contacts, so they can get tested, if needed
- Contact your health care provider for any medical guidance needed and to ask about treatment options.
CDC Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You Are Sick
If you are exhibiting any of the symptoms and think you might have COVID, you should:
- Seek medical care if you are experiencing severe COVID-19 symptoms.
- Stay home except for seeking medical care and avoid contact with others.
- Ask your doctor about Antiviral Treatment
