Governor Moore Touts Vax Act, Maryland’s Lifesaving Immunization Requirements During Back-to-School Season

ANNAPOLIS, MD – As more than 890,000 children across Maryland return to classrooms this week, Governor Moore touts the Vax Act, which ensures all Marylanders access to lifesaving vaccines for the health and safety of our communities. 

“Back-to-school season is in full swing, and Maryland is well-equipped for a healthy start to the school year by defending everyone against harmful diseases,” said Gov. Moore. “As the federal government puts public health at risk and creates unnecessary confusion around vaccine policy, our administration is dedicated to protecting our students, parents, educators and all Marylanders, by ensuring our vaccine guidance is proven by science, not political headwinds.” 

Maryland’s back-to-school immunization requirements for K-12 students and those in preschool programs have not changed. For decades, these policies have successfully stopped dangerous childhood viruses from spreading in classrooms, such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, hepatitis B and meningococcal. More than 96% of kindergarten students in Maryland are consistently reported as vaccinated, which is directly tied to Maryland maintaining some of the lowest rates of vaccine-preventable illness and outbreaks in the country. 

“Just like the school supplies in your shopping cart, vaccines are an investment in our kids’ future. While germs tend to spread in the fall, vaccines protect kids from severe illness, keeping our students in school and ready to learn," said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “It is understandable to have questions about vaccines, and I urge all Marylanders to talk to their doctor about the importance of vaccines for people of any age.”

Amid changing recommendations at the national level, Governor Moore signed the Maryland Vax Act into law this spring, establishing new authority for the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health to set official state recommendations for immunizations, screening and preventive services for Marylanders. This change separates the State’s vaccine authority from federal government bodies, ensuring Maryland’s recommendations are based on science and clinical guidance.

Under the Vax Act, the Secretary takes into account authoritative medical organizations, namely the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, when making recommendations. It also allows pharmacists to administer vaccines and supports steps the State has taken to make vaccines accessible to all Marylanders, regardless of their insurance coverage status. The Maryland Department of Health will soon release its first recommended vaccine schedules for children and adults, including guidance on immunizations to protect Maryland residents during the upcoming respiratory virus season.

The Maryland Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program allows enrolled physicians to provide all routinely recommended vaccines at no cost to children 18 years old or younger who are underinsured or uninsured, helping to remove barriers youth and families may encounter as they look to stay healthy throughout the school year. This goes hand in hand with the Maryland Vaccine Program, which expanded access to critical immunizations for uninsured and underinsured adult Marylanders. Administered by the Maryland Department of Health, the program provides recommended vaccines free of charge to Marylanders aged 19 and older across the state. Since its launch, more than 16,000 vaccine doses have been ordered by local health departments and Federally Qualified Health Centers through the Maryland Vaccine Program. 

“Student well‑being is foundational to academic success,” said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. “Maryland schools continue working with health partners to support families and help keep immunization rates strong. These efforts ensure students are healthy and ready to learn as they return to classrooms across the state.” 

Maryland schools work closely with local health departments and community healthcare organizations to ensure students meet immunization requirements. This long‑standing coordination helps sustain Maryland’s high vaccination rates and supports the state’s readiness efforts under the Vax Act.

For more information on vaccines, visit health.maryland.gov/vaccines. 

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