Maryland health officials release 2026-2027 vaccine guidelines for children, adults
BALTIMORE —
The Maryland Department of Health released its 2026-27 vaccine schedules and recommendations ahead of the respiratory virus season.
State health officials said the recommendations align with the latest evidence and guidance from leading medical associations.
“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.
| MDH: Recommended Vaccines | Requirements for Schoolchildren
The state health department announced its vaccine recommendations Thursday, following advice from medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Officials clarified that there are no new mandates, and school entry requirements remain unchanged. In Maryland, more than 96% of kindergarteners are up to date on their childhood vaccinations.
Seasonal shots like flu and COVID-19 vaccines are not required but are encouraged annually.
“Children need to feel safe when they come to school,” said State School Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright. “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 emphasized the importance of vaccinations in protecting both individuals and the community.
“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.”
Maryland health officials hope the new guidance will help clarify vaccine recommendations and ensure access to immunizations for all residents.
MDH authorized to set immunization recommendations under Vax Act
Under the Vax Act signed into law in the spring, the Maryland health secretary is authorized to set official state recommendations for immunizations, screening and preventive services based on science and clinical guidance.
MDH said its guidance requires insurers to cover all routine state-recommended immunizations without out-of-pocket costs and allows pharmacists to administer recommended vaccines to anyone 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.
The MDH guidance comes a month after President Donald Trump signed an executive order calling for fewer vaccinations and a reduction of the number of routine shots children get from 18 to 11. Pediatricians have since pushed back against the order.
“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 protecting health
MDH said its recommendations come from leading, independent expert medical organizations and are intended to be used 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.”
MDH said Maryland maintains high vaccination rates across the state 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.