Maryland vaccine recommendations for 2026-27 set new statewide guidance for children and adults before respiratory virus season. The guidance covers flu, COVID-19, RSV, and routine immunizations, as Baltimore Chronicle reports.
The Maryland Department of Health released the schedules on September 10. They use authority created under Maryland’s new Vax Act.
Maryland vaccine recommendations cover flu, COVID-19 and RSV
State health officials issued separate guidance for children and adults. The recommendations address influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus.
Maryland also encourages residents to remain current on routine vaccines. These include measles, mumps and rubella vaccination and hepatitis B vaccination.
The state’s respiratory vaccine guidance draws on recommendations from major US medical organizations. Maryland’s official vaccine page was updated on September 10, 2026.
The main seasonal recommendations include:
- flu vaccination for eligible children and adults;
- COVID-19 vaccination according to age and individual risk;
- RSV protection for eligible infants, pregnant people and older adults;
- routine childhood and adult immunizations.
The new guidance does not introduce additional vaccination mandates.
Requirements for children entering Maryland public schools remain unchanged. State schedules separately identify vaccines already required for school attendance.
What Maryland’s Vax Act changes
The Vax Act took effect on July 1, 2026. It allows Maryland’s health secretary to establish state recommendations for immunizations and preventive services.
For residents, the most significant changes concern access and insurance coverage.
| Change | What it means |
|---|---|
| State vaccine guidance | Maryland can issue its own official recommendations |
| Insurance coverage | Certain regulated plans must cover recommended routine vaccines without cost-sharing |
| Pharmacy access | Recommended vaccines can be provided more broadly through pharmacists |
| School rules | Existing vaccination requirements remain unchanged |
Maryland says qualifying state-recommended vaccines must carry no out-of-pocket costs under certain regulated insurance plans. Pharmacists can also vaccinate people aged 3 and older without a prescription under applicable rules.
That distinction matters as federal vaccine guidance continues to change. Maryland is creating a state framework that can remain in place independently.
Health officials urge residents to check their vaccination status
Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani said families are entering respiratory virus season while federal guidance is shifting.
She said Maryland wants essential vaccines to remain accessible, affordable and based on clinical evidence.
Public Health Services Deputy Secretary Dr. Meg Sullivan also urged residents to discuss vaccination with healthcare providers.
The recommendations remain guidance rather than new mandates. Individual vaccination decisions can depend on age, pregnancy, medical history and other risk factors.
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