Update:

Maryland launched the new website where people can register for coronavirus vaccines. Once pre-registered, according to Governor Larry Hogan’s website, state residents will be notified once an appointment is available, and will be able to verify their pre-registration status and reserve an appointment.

Original:

Maryland is launching a new website for coronavirus vaccine registration next month.

Acting Health Secretary Dennis Schrader made the brief announcement during a Maryland Senate vaccine oversight committee hearing on Monday.

The new site will be a place for Maryland residents to pre-register for a vaccine appointments. Currently, the state’s coronavirus website offers only a curated list of 222 vaccine providers, but no way to pre-register.

Schrader said new the site will help “manage the flow” of appointments and improve the user experience. Schrader said vaccine supply from the federal government is the largest hurdle at the moment, but the new site will help when more supply is available.

The website will be used for state-run mass vaccination sites, but will also coordinate with local health departments, Schrader said. It will not include vaccine appointments through pharmacies or other health providers.

A Maryland Department of Health spokesperson, Charlie Gischlar, said more information will be forthcoming.

Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro tweeted, “This is an important step forward, hopefully soon there will be a centralized system for all sites, not just for mass vaccination sites.”

Rep. Anthony Brown was more critical, tweeting: “Not good enough. We need a one-stop portal for everyone to get vaccinated.”

It’s the latest change for vaccination registration in the region.

In Virginia, officials launched a statewide vaccine portal last week, centralizing the sign-up process that was previously with the local health departments.

D.C. officials are also revamping the vaccine sign-up process in the District in March.