MARYLAND — As breakthrough coronavirus infections increase with the emergence of the delta variant in Maryland, the governor on Wednesday announced a strategy to protect those at greatest risk of contracting the virus.

The state will begin an on-the-ground outreach campaign to boost vaccination in areas with low vaccination rates against COVID-19 and provide booster shots in Maryland effective immediately to those who are most vulnerable.

“This week we will launch the community COVID-19 vaccination project, a new $3 million statewide community based door-to-door canvassing effort to directly engage Marylanders living in areas with low vaccination rates,” Gov. Larry Hogan said.

The effort will include health education in at-risk neighborhoods and holding mobile clinics wherever possible to reach people where they are.

Statewide, about 62.9 percent of those above age 18 have been vaccinated, according to the Maryland Department of Health. Visit COVID vax.maryland.gov to find a vaccine provider.

“Vaccines are the single most effective way to protect people from severe illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” Hogan said at a news conference Wednesday.

However, over time, Hogan said, there is evidence of “waning immunity” following the initial dose or doses of the vaccine.

About 0.2 percent of fully vaccinated Marylanders have been hospitalized with the virus, according to the governor.

“We are seeing an increase in breakthrough infections,” Hogan said. “It is … concerning, which is why we’re talking about boosters.”

Over 28,000 boosters have been administered to immunocompromised Marylanders, Hogan reported at a news conference Wednesday.

The Maryland Department of Health will order that all those 65 and up in congregate living spaces — including nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential drug treatment centers and group homes for the developmentally disabled — will be able to get COVID-19 booster shots.

“To be clear, these facilities in Maryland will not have to wait to begin offering boosters,” Hogan said Wednesday. “Boosters can now be immediately administered, effective immediately.”

Those who identify themselves as immunocompromised will also be able to get COVID-19 booster shots.

“The Maryland Department of Health is issuing new guidance today, instructing all pharmacies and other providers across the state to administer boosters, without any need for a prescription or a doctor’s order, to anyone who considers themselves to be immunocompromised,” Hogan said. “Some providers may ask you to fill out a simple form, but no one in this category should be turned away from receiving a booster.”

The governor encouraged people concerned about whether they qualify for boosters to talk with their doctors or health care providers.

“If somebody feels that they need to get it, we’re gonna get it” to them, Hogan said.

He explained the move came after some pharmacies were unclear based on federal guidance, which also does not require proof to show that someone is immunocompromised.

“The state of Maryland continues to have a sufficient supply of vaccines on hand for anyone in need of a booster shot, and we are fully prepared to immediately move forward with making boosters available to the wider population immediately upon receiving the clear guidance from the federal government,” Hogan said.

“We’re moving into the new phase of maintaining immunity,” Hogan said, after the initial strategy of containment to mitigation and then to vaccination.

Hogan’s announcement of the new health orders came after he said the federal government did not provide guidance on booster shot distribution.

“Unfortunately for several weeks now, states have had to operate without clear guidance from the federal government regarding these booster shots,” Hogan said. “The limited guidance we have received has been confusing and contradictory, and it is still unclear when and how more people will become eligible. All of the evidence makes it abundantly clear that we cannot afford to delay taking decisive action to protect our most vulnerable citizens.”

Said Hogan: “We cannot be complacent.”