Updated September 11, 2025
This respiratory virus season, Maryland is protecting vaccine access for Marylanders of all ages. As federal government uncertainty around vaccine policy has raised questions for many, Maryland public health officials will continue to use science-based guidance to be a trusted resource for people to keep themselves and their families safe and healthy.
What are the current COVID-19 vaccine guidelines?
Evidence continues to show that vaccines are an effective way to prevent severe illness and keep our communities healthy. Federal vaccine guidance continues to evolve. In the meantime, medical societies, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have shared updated clinical recommendations for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season.
Can any Marylander who wants a COVID-19 vaccine get one?
Maryland residents have a wide variety of ways to obtain vaccines for themselves and their children, and should speak to their health care provider about what is best. Right now, Marylanders should have access to a COVID-19 vaccine if they want one - and we are exploring all options to make sure that doesn't change. Please note that recent actions at the federal level have increased the complexity of the vaccination process and could include access and supply issues for Marylanders looking for a COVID-19 vaccine. The Maryland Department of Health continues to work closely with our partners to ensure the vaccine is widely accessible across Maryland.
Do you need a prescription to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Marylanders do not need a prescription for a COVID-19 vaccine. Immunizations are available from many providers statewide, including pharmacists, who are authorized under Maryland law to give vaccines without a prescription. Note that the specific eligibility assessment processes may vary based on location. For instance, some pharmacies or healthcare practices may be asking people to attest to having a high-risk condition (which includes conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, disabilities, physical inactivity, current or former smokers, pregnancy, or mental health conditions) or some may have their own screening processes. Additionally, some pharmacies or healthcare practices may not yet have the vaccine in stock. Contact your pharmacy or healthcare provider prior to making an appointment to ask about vaccine availability and eligibility. Under Maryland law, pharmacists may only administer COVID-19 vaccines to individuals aged 3 or older.
What should I do if I want a COVID-19 vaccine but am turned away from a provider or pharmacist's office?
Right now, Marylanders 6 months and older should have access to a COVID-19 vaccine if they want one. A 2024 Maryland law allows pharmacists to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to anyone 3 years and older. Eligibility assessment processes may vary based on location. Some pharmacies or healthcare practices may be asking people to attest to having a high-risk condition, or other screening processes. Additionally, some pharmacies or healthcare practices may not have the vaccine in stock.
We encourage the public to review appointment information available from those entities online, as well as contact your pharmacy or healthcare provider prior to making an appointment to confirm whether they are administering the vaccine and have an adequate supply. In the meantime, the Maryland Department of Health continues to work closely with our partners to ensure the vaccine is widely accessible across Maryland.
Will the Maryland Department of Health be communicating with pharmacies about the law?
Yes. The Maryland Department of Health is consulting closely with all of our partners, including the Board of Pharmacy and our pharmacy associations, and coordinating communications to pharmacists about current statutory authority.
Does private insurance cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Maryland Department of Health is working closely with partners, including the Maryland Insurance Administration. Maryland law requires Maryland regulated insurers to cover the COVID-19 vaccine. Maryland is unable to regulate self-funded health insurance plans, Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Tricare, or Veterans Administration benefits under federal law. See the latest Consumer Advisory from the Maryland Insurance Administration for more information. https://insurance.maryland.gov/Pages/newscenter/NewsDetails.aspx?NR=2025379
Does Medicaid cover the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, Maryland Medicaid, both the HealthChoice Maryland managed care and fee-for-service programs, cover the COVID-19 vaccine for its members. There has been no change to Maryland Medicaid's coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine. As federal vaccine policy evolves, Maryland Department of Health will provide updates if there are any changes in the way Maryland Medicaid customers access vaccines.
Can non-Maryland residents get the COVID-19 vaccine in Maryland?
Residents from outside of Maryland can get vaccinated in Maryland, but the vaccine location may have residency requirements or may not be taking new clients. Contact the provider's office, pharmacy, local health department, or clinic location to ask if you're eligible based on your residency.
How can parents get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 right now?
COVID-19 vaccines are available for children in Maryland 6 months and older, but eligibility and access may vary, and there may be changes as the federal vaccine policy evolves. Immunizations are available from a variety of providers statewide, including pharmacists, for children over 3. Parents and guardians should speak to their pediatrician or health care provider about options for their children. Maryland will continue to work with partners to address the availability of COVID-19 vaccine for children.
How can kids under age 3 get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Parents and guardians should speak to their pediatrician or health care provider about COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for their child.
What are the current vaccine requirements for school-aged children? Have these changed?
Students in public preschool and K-12 schools remain subject to Vaccine Requirements For Children, by Maryland law, available on the Maryland Department of Health Vaccine Requirements webpage. COVID-19 vaccines are not currently required for students under this schedule, but MDH continues to encourage that children stay up to date on all vaccines recommended for them.
