Maryland bucks feds, offers its own vaccine guidance ahead of flu season

Key Points:

• Maryland health officials issued new vaccine guidance for the fall flu season, using state authority to follow recommendations from major medical associations instead of federal agencies for the first time.
• The state Vax Act allows Maryland to base vaccine guidance on groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics, responding to confusion after federal advisory changes under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were blocked by a judge.
• Officials urge vaccination against flu, COVID-19, and RSV by the end of October, highlighting that insurers must cover recommended vaccines and pharmacists can administer them to those aged 3 and older without a prescription.
• Recommended vaccines for children include annual flu shots starting at 6 months, COVID-19 vaccines, and RSV doses for high-risk infants, while adults are advised to receive vaccines such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and MMR in specific cases.
• Maryland health leaders emphasize the importance of vaccines in preventing illness and encourage individuals to consult healthcare providers to determine appropriate vaccinations.