The Maryland Department of Health has expanded its Maryland Vaccine Program by adding 10 Federally Qualified Health Centers, increasing the number of locations where uninsured and underinsured adults can receive recommended vaccines at no cost.
The program, which launched last year, provides free vaccines to eligible Marylanders ages 19 and older who do not have insurance coverage. The expansion is intended to improve access to vaccines that protect against illnesses including influenza, measles, pneumonia, RSV and shingles.
State health officials said the program is funded through $2.8 million approved by the Maryland General Assembly and is designed to reduce the burden of vaccine-preventable diseases. Marylanders can find participating locations through the Maryland Vaccine Program website or by contacting their local health department.
The announcement comes after lawmakers approved the Vax Act earlier this year, requiring many recommended immunizations and preventive services to be covered by health insurance without cost-sharing and allowing pharmacists to continue administering routine vaccines to patients ages 3 and older.
