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​September 19, 2025 

Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]​

Maryland Department of Health issues respiratory virus vaccine guidance, COVID-19 vaccine standing order  
Provides recommendations for clinicians and consumers to protect public health 

Baltimore, MD –  The Maryland Department of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to following scientific evidence, taking important steps to protect broad vaccine access for Marylanders. In addition to sharing clinical vaccine guidance for healthcare providers and vaccine recommendations for individuals for the 2025-2026 respiratory virus season, the Department has issued a standing order to ensure COVID-19 vaccine access and joined the bipartisan Northeast Public Health Collaborative to align with neighboring states to protect public health. These actions follow recent federal changes made to increase confusion and undermine proven public health protective measures. 

“The Maryland Department of Health is focused on using evidence-based science to make decisions that best serve the people of our state. Research continues to show that vaccines are an effective way to keep our communities healthy,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Meena Seshamani, MD, Ph.D. “We encourage everyone to talk with a health care provider who can help assess your personal health care needs and determine if a vaccine is right for you.”

The Department’s newly released clinical guidance for RSV, COVID-19, and flu immunization this season aligns with the fact-based vaccine guidance issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), recommending broad access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Department has also issued a statewide standing order allowing Marylanders across the state to more easily access COVID-19 vaccines. The order authorizes qualified health care professionals to administer vaccinations using the most current guidelines developed by AAP, ACOG and AAFP as standards. This builds on current Maryland law which allows—but also does not require—pharmacists to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines without a prescription to anyone 3 years and older.

The public can find updated respiratory virus immunization recommendations on the Department website. As federal guidance evolves, these will be updated to ensure they are continuously grounded in scientific evidence. The Department also provides information on its website about the variety of ways the public can obtain vaccines to prevent respiratory viruses and encourages individuals to consult with a health care provider about what is best.  

As part of the state’s commitment to safeguarding broad vaccine access, Maryland has joined the bipartisan Northeast Public Health Collaborative. With the Collaborative, Maryland will partner with other states and jurisdictions to help protect the health, safety and well-being of its communities. This collaborative will develop recommendations based on scientific evidence and strive to ensure broad access to quality care and evidence-based guidance.  

The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management, and community engagement.

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