Maryland Releases 2026-2027 Vaccine Guidelines Ahead of Respiratory Virus Season
The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) unveiled its 2026-2027 vaccine schedules and recommendations Thursday, aiming to provide clarity ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season. State health officials said the recommendations align with the latest evidence and guidance from leading medical associations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Addressing Federal-Level Confusion
The announcement comes amid shifting federal guidance. “We know that there is a lot of confusion out there about what the guidelines are, particularly at the federal level right now,” said Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary of Public Health for the Maryland Department of Health.
Officials emphasized there are no new mandates, and school entry requirements remain unchanged. Maryland continues to maintain high vaccination rates, with more than 96% of kindergarteners up to date on their childhood vaccinations. Seasonal shots such as flu and COVID-19 vaccines are not required but are encouraged annually.
Focus on School Safety and Community Protection
State School Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright highlighted the importance of a secure learning environment. “Children need to feel safe when they come to school,” Wright said. “That’s what you want for children. You want it to be a safe space, and I think that’s what parents want. When parents send their kids to school, they send them to school because they think it’s one of the safest places they can be.”
Doctors stressed that vaccinations protect both individuals and vulnerable community members. “My child may be healthy, have few health conditions,” said Dr. Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician with Mercy Medical Center. “There might be another child in that classroom that might have a medical condition where they’re immunocompromised or live with a family member who is immunocompromised.”
Vax Act Authorizes State-Level Recommendations
Under the Vax Act signed into law this spring, the Maryland health secretary is authorized to set official state recommendations for immunizations, screening, and preventive services based on science and clinical guidance. The MDH guidance requires insurers to cover all routine state-recommended immunizations without out-of-pocket costs and allows pharmacists to administer recommended vaccines to anyone age 3 and older without a prescription.
“State-regulated health insurers are now required to cover all state-recommended immunizations with zero out-of-pocket cost to their enrollees,” said Dr. Meena Seshamani, Maryland health secretary.
Response to Federal Executive Order
The MDH guidance follows last month’s executive order from President Donald Trump calling for fewer vaccinations and a reduction in routine childhood shots from 18 to 11, a move pediatricians have opposed. “We recognize Marylanders are facing back-to-school germs and the upcoming respiratory virus season, all while navigating shifting vaccine guidance from the federal government,” Seshamani said in a statement. “Through the Vax Act and our Maryland recommendations, we are reaffirming our commitment to high-quality, accessible care rooted in science and giving families peace of mind that essential vaccinations are safe and will remain affordable and available right in their communities.”
MDH: Vaccines ‘Essential’ for Public Health
MDH said its recommendations come from leading, independent expert medical organizations and serve as a public education tool. “At the Maryland Department of Health, our goal is to provide clear, clinically backed information that allows both providers and residents to make the best health decisions for themselves and their families,” Sullivan said in a statement. “Vaccines remain essential to protecting ourselves, our families and our communities against preventable illnesses. MDH encourages people to speak with their healthcare providers about what is right for them.”
Maryland maintains high vaccination rates statewide, with more than 96% of kindergarten students consistently reported as vaccinated. Uninsured or underinsured Marylanders can access recommended vaccines at no cost through the Maryland Vaccines for Children Program and the Maryland Vaccine Program.
