As more than 890,000 children return to classrooms across Maryland this week, Gov. Wes Moore is highlighting the state’s Vax Act and existing immunization requirements for students.
Maryland’s vaccination requirements for K-12 students and children in preschool programs have not changed. The state requires immunizations against several diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, chickenpox and hepatitis B. According to the state, more than 96% of Maryland kindergarten students are consistently reported as vaccinated.
“Back-to-school season is in full swing, and Maryland is well-equipped for a healthy start to the school year by defending everyone against harmful diseases,” Moore said.
Moore signed the Maryland Vax Act into law this spring, giving the Maryland Department of Health secretary authority to establish state recommendations for immunizations, screenings and preventive services. The law separates Maryland’s vaccine recommendations from federal government bodies and directs the state to consider guidance from several national medical organizations.
The Maryland Department of Health is expected to release its first recommended vaccine schedules for children and adults under the law, including guidance for the upcoming respiratory virus season.
Maryland also operates programs providing routinely recommended vaccines at no cost to eligible uninsured and underinsured children and adults. Since its launch, more than 16,000 vaccine doses have been ordered through the state’s adult Maryland Vaccine Program.
