Maryland Bolsters Vaccine Access as Federal Guidance Shifts, Flu Season Looms
ANNAPOLIS, MD – Maryland is taking steps to ensure continued access to vital vaccinations for its residents amid evolving federal guidance and the approaching flu season. Governor Wes Moore has signed legislation and voiced strong opposition to potential restrictions, positioning the state as a safeguard for public health as other states consider altering vaccine mandates.
Maryland residents can recieve vaccinations from their healthcare providers and pharmacies, with guidance available on appropriate vaccines to protect against viruses and illnesses. the CDC recommends the annual flu shot for individuals 6 years and older. this comes as the Food and Drug Management recently approved updated COVID-19 shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, though access is limited for some children and adults with specific high-risk health conditions.
Governor Moore criticized what he called “rapid changes and needless swirl around vaccine policy” from the federal government, warning of possibly “disastrous public health outcomes.” He also expressed concern over efforts by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to advance anti-vaccine policies.
To proactively address potential challenges, Governor Moore signed a law in 2024 allowing pharmacists to administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines to individuals 3 years and older without a prescription. “The health, safety and well-being of Marylanders and their loved ones are our North Star, and we will do everything in our power to ensure they have access to life-saving medicines like vaccines,” Moore stated in a release.
Massachusetts is adopting a similar strategy to protect vaccine access for its residents,while Florida moves toward eliminating all childhood vaccine mandates. A recent Harvard/SSRS poll indicates that approximately 8 in 10 U.S. adults believe children should be vaccinated to attend school.
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani emphasized the ongoing importance of vaccines, stating, “Vaccines continue to be one of the most powerful public health tools for safeguarding our people and communities against disease.”
