The Maryland Department of Health on Thursday published its 2026-2027 vaccine schedules and recommendations, offering updated guidance for children and adults ahead of the fall respiratory virus season while stressing that school immunization requirements remain unchanged.
State officials said the recommendations reflect the latest evidence and follow guidance from leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics. The release comes after the General Assembly in the spring granted the health secretary expanded authority to set state immunization recommendations under the newly enacted Vax Act.
"We know that there is a lot of confusion out there about what the guidelines are, particularly at the federal level right now," said Dr. Meg Sullivan, deputy secretary of public health for the Maryland Department of Health.
What the guidance says
Maryland health officials emphasized several key points:
- The new schedules provide state-level recommendations for immunization of children and adults based on current evidence and professional society guidance.
- There are no new mandates tied to the 2026-27 guidance; existing school entry requirements were not changed.
- Seasonal vaccines, including influenza and COVID-19 shots, are encouraged annually but are not required for school attendance.
State School Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright reiterated the priority of safety in school settings. "Children need to feel safe when they come to school," Wright said, noting that parents expect schools to be secure spaces for learning.
Uptake and community protection
Maryland continues to report high coverage for standard childhood immunizations: more than 96% of kindergarten students are up to date on the routinely required vaccines, the department said. Health leaders highlighted the role of vaccination not only in protecting individual children but also in reducing risk for vulnerable classmates.
"My child may be healthy, have few health conditions," said Dr. Ashanti Woods, a pediatrician with Mercy Medical Center. "There might be another child in that classroom that might have a medical condition where they're immunocompromised or live with a family member who is immunocompromised."
Officials said the guidance aims to reduce confusion among clinicians, school administrators and families amid evolving federal recommendations and to help ensure access to immunizations across Maryland.
Practical details for parents and providers
The department noted that while the state recommendations align with national medical organizations, they do not impose additional legal requirements for school entry. That means parents should continue to follow existing school vaccination rules and consult their pediatrician about seasonal shots.
| Item | Maryland guidance |
|---|---|
| School immunization requirements | Unchanged |
| Kindergartener up-to-date rate | More than 96% |
| Seasonal flu and COVID-19 shots | Encouraged annually, not required |
Maryland health officials encouraged families to review the new schedules and to contact health care providers or local health departments with questions about vaccination timing, catch-up schedules and access to immunizations. The department said its guidance is meant to clarify recommendations and expand access, not to change the legal status of required vaccines for school attendance.
Why the guidance matters now
Public health officials often update vaccine recommendations before the onset of the fall and winter respiratory virus season to help clinicians and the public prepare. In Maryland, the combination of high baseline childhood immunization rates and state-issued guidance is intended to limit the spread of vaccine-preventable illness in schools and communities.
The Vax Act's authorization for the health secretary to set state immunization recommendations gives Maryland the ability to publish official state guidance reflecting local considerations. Health officials said that moving forward, they will continue to consult national medical associations and local experts when shaping recommendations.
For parents and guardians, the department's message is straightforward: follow existing school vaccine requirements, consult your health care provider about recommended seasonal shots, and check with local health departments about access and scheduling.
Reporting for WE NEWS — Priya Chandrasekaran.
