BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland health officials released new statewide vaccine recommendations for children and adults on Thursday, outlining guidance for COVID-19, flu, RSV and other routine immunizations ahead of the upcoming respiratory virus season.
The 2026-27 recommendations were issued under authority granted to the Maryland health secretary by the Vax Act, which Gov. Wes Moore signed into law this spring. The law allows the state to establish its own recommendations for immunizations, screenings and preventive services based on clinical guidance.
Under the law, insurers must cover routine immunizations recommended by the state at no out-of-pocket cost. Pharmacists can also administer recommended vaccines without a prescription to anyone age 3 or older.
"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," Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani said. "Through the Vax Act and our Maryland recommendations, we are reaffirming our commitment to high-quality, accessible care rooted in science."
Maryland's guidelines draw from recommendations by medical organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
In addition to seasonal COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines, state health officials continue to recommend routine immunizations including the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and hepatitis B vaccine beginning with the birth dose.
The recommendations do not create new vaccine mandates, and Maryland's existing vaccination requirements for children entering schools remain unchanged.
According to the state health department, more than 96% of Maryland kindergarten students are vaccinated. Uninsured and underinsured residents can receive recommended vaccines at no cost through the state's Vaccines for Children Program and Maryland Vaccine Program.
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