The Maryland Department of Health is emphasizing Maryland back-to-school vaccines as part of National Immunization Awareness Month in August, following Gov. Wes Moore’s proclamation of the period to raise awareness. A bilingual social media campaign aimed at parents and caregivers runs through the month on the department’s Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Bluesky accounts, highlighting the role of vaccinations in ensuring a healthy school year.
“We are grateful to Maryland parents and caregivers for keeping your children safe and ready to learn with back-to-school vaccines,” said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. “Vaccines are an important part of our State’s commitment to support optimal health and well-being for our children and school communities.”
The organic digital campaign features community providers Drs. Monique Soileau-Burke, Ligia Peralta and Andrew Ditto discussing Maryland back-to-school vaccines requirements and their importance for various age groups, with videos available in English and Spanish. Assets are shared with partners like local health departments and schools to reach families, including details on accessing vaccines for uninsured or underinsured children through clinics and the Vaccines for Children program.
Parents and caregivers are reminded to keep immunization records current for school and activities, obtainable from providers or online at health.maryland.gov/immunet. Maryland enforces evidence-based vaccination rules for child care and public schools, with clinic locations available via local health departments or health.maryland.gov/vaccines.
For the 2024-2025 school year, Maryland back-to-school vaccines requirements include two doses of varicella for entry into kindergarten, first, second, third, fourth and fifth grades if the first dose was after age 13, along with standard doses for DTaP, polio, MMR, hepatitis B and meningococcal for older students. Students entering seventh grade need one dose of Tdap and one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine. These mandates help prevent outbreaks of diseases like measles, mumps and pertussis.
In Southern Maryland, residents can access Maryland back-to-school vaccines at county health departments. Calvert County Health Department offers vaccinations by appointment at 410-535-5400, extension 334, including for uninsured children. Charles County Department of Health provides child immunizations, with back-to-school options at 301-609-6835. St. Mary’s County Health Department hosts free clinics in August and September for school-required shots, available at 301-475-4330. These sites participate in the Vaccines for Children program, offering no-cost vaccines to eligible kids up to age 18.
The Vaccines for Children program, federally funded, ensures access for uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-eligible or American Indian/Alaska Native children, covering vaccines like HPV, flu and COVID-19. In Maryland, local health departments administer it, with searches available at vaccines.gov or through the Vaccine Administration Management System at guest.vams.cdc.gov.
Immunization records are crucial, as Maryland requires proof for enrollment. The ImmuNet registry allows online access, helping families track doses. This system supports providers in managing vaccinations efficiently.
Maryland’s childhood vaccination rates stand at 75.7% for children receiving all recommended immunizations by 24 months, ranking fifth nationally. However, recent declines raise concerns, with kindergarten rates dropping from 94% to 91.3% post-pandemic, potentially risking herd immunity for measles. Nationally, kindergarten vaccination coverage fell to 92.5% in 2024-2025, with exemptions at 3.6%.
August’s National Immunization Awareness Month, proclaimed by Gov. Moore, underscores vaccines’ role in preventing illnesses. The observance promotes routine shots for all ages, aligning with back-to-school preparations. In Maryland, it ties into efforts like the department’s campaign to boost uptake.
Southern Maryland’s rural and suburban areas benefit from local clinics, reducing travel to urban centers like Baltimore. With populations in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties relying on community health services, these initiatives ensure equitable access.
The push for Maryland back-to-school vaccines reflects ongoing public health priorities, building on past successes in controlling diseases through widespread immunization. As schools reopen, timely vaccinations protect students and staff, fostering safe learning environments.
