Vaccines: General Information

​​​​​​​​Vaccinations are the best protection against severe illness and preventable disease for you, your family, and your community. They are safe and effective and can help infants and young children strengthen their immune system. For people of all ages, particularly older adults and those with underlying health conditions, vaccines can lessen or prevent illnesses which can be dangerous.​​​​

Amid changing recommendations at the national level, the newly enacted Vax Act establishes authority for the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health to set official state recommendations for immunizations, screening, and preventive services for Marylanders. This ensures that Maryland’s recommendations are based on science and clinical guidance.

The Department has based its guidance on authoritative medical organizations - namely the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

The Maryland recommended vaccine schedules​ include vaccines against COVID-19, flu and RSV, seasonal respiratory viruses that can cause severe disease leading to hospitalization or death. Maryland health officials also continue to stress the importance of other routine immunizations, including the combined measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, and the hepatitis B vaccine, beginning with the birth dose.

Downloadable PDFs:

Maryland Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunizations

Maryland Recommended Adult Immunizations​​

Local Health Departments Immunization Information​

Local health departments hold back-to-school vaccine clinics and flu clinics throughout the year. Whether you're seeking a vaccine for children or adults, check with the local health department about their clinic schedules and to ensure they have the vaccines you need. Residents can also search for vaccine clinics near them using the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) for Maryland. The system allows you to be pre-screened and, if qualified, schedule routine vaccinations, including COVID-19 and flu, with your local health department. Click here to search for vaccination clinics near you. Note: Not all Maryland local health departments use VAMS, so not all vaccine clinics happening will be there.​​​​​

Below is immunization information for the local health departments in Maryland: