ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced the Vax Act on Jan. 8, 2026, as part of his legislative agenda for the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session to empower the state health secretary to issue independent vaccine recommendations amid federal policy shifts. The proposal responds to recent federal actions perceived as undermining vaccine access and science, including a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule on Jan. 5, 2026, that reduced recommended routine vaccines from 18 to 11 following a directive from President Donald Trump. Moore stated the bill aims to ensure Maryland’s guidance relies on evidence rather than politics.
The legislation would grant the Maryland Department of Health secretary authority to recommend immunizations, screenings and preventive services based on clinical guidance from organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. It decouples state policy from federal mandates while allowing consideration of federal input as optional. The bill also mandates insurance coverage for recommended vaccines and maintains pharmacist administration rights. No draft text was available as of Jan. 8, but state officials indicated it builds on prior measures to protect access.
The CDC revision, detailed in a Jan. 5 memorandum from acting director Jim ONeill, aligned U.S. practices with those in peer nations like Denmark, recommending core vaccines against 11 diseases including measles, mumps, rubella, polio, pertussis, tetanus, diphtheria, Haemophilus influenzae type B, pneumococcal disease, human papillomavirus and varicella. Vaccines for hepatitis A and B, rotavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, flu and meningococcal disease shifted to high-risk categories only. The change stemmed from a Dec. 5, 2025, presidential memorandum directing a review of international schedules to adopt superior approaches. Health experts criticized the process for lacking transparency and bypassing advisory committees.
Moore’s administration has pursued several initiatives to counter federal trends. In prior sessions, he signed laws requiring insurers to cover vaccines per the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and expanding pharmacists’ ability to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines without prescriptions to individuals aged 3 and older. On Nov. 20, 2025, Moore launched the Maryland Vaccine Program, a state-funded effort providing free recommended vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults aged 19 and older at local health departments statewide. The program addresses gaps in coverage for immunizations against diseases like hepatitis, shingles and pneumonia.
In 2025, Maryland joined two multistate coalitions to bolster evidence-based public health. The Northeast Public Health Collaborative, announced Sept. 23, 2025, includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and New York City, focusing on vaccine guidance, data sharing and emergency preparedness. The GovAct Public Health Alliance, launched Oct. 15, 2025, comprises 15 governors including Moore, emphasizing coordination on misinformation and access to care. Moore described these partnerships as essential for maintaining trust in science amid federal uncertainty.
Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani emphasized vaccines’ role in preventing severe illness. “Vaccines remain one of the most powerful public health tools that we have to protect Marylanders and our communities against severe illness and preventable disease,” Seshamani said. “Immunization is a core public health priority for Maryland, and we will continue to have Marylanders backs by providing them with guidance and recommendations grounded in rigorous, evidence-based science.”
Legislative support emerged quickly. Sen. Pamela G. Beidle said, “I applaud Governor Moores attention to providing vaccines for all Marylanders that choose vaccines so they can remain healthy.” Del. Heather A. Bagnall, health committee chair, noted, “The history of universal childhood vaccination is a true modern-day miracle, preventing premature death for about 154 million children worldwide over the last half century, staving off lifelong debilitating conditions resulting from now preventable diseases, and minimizing the life-threatening impacts of others.” She added, “Despite the deep frustration we are experiencing at the uncertainty and conflicting information coming from our federal agencies, I am grateful that in Maryland we are continuing to lead and lean into our shared values to protect access for all Marylanders. As chair of the health committee, I recognize equally the reality of vaccine hesitancy, the heartbreak of death and life altering illness, and the incredible value of prevention and want to thank our governor for his partnership in taking decisive action to ensure access to safe, proven, life-preserving vaccines and the science behind them.”
MedChi CEO Gene Ransom endorsed the bill. “MedChi strongly supports this legislation and commends the Moore Administration for reaffirming Marylands commitment to evidence-based medicine and public health,” Ransom said. “By vesting authority in the secretary of health to issue immunization, screening, and preventive service recommendations grounded in sound science and trusted clinical guidance, this bill provides stability, clarity, and consistency for physicians and patients alike. Importantly, anchoring state policy to the independent, expert recommendations of organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists ensures that Marylands public health decisions remain guided by medical expertise rather than political shifts. This thoughtful modernization of our code strengthens patient access, supports physician-led care, and protects the integrity of preventive health policy in Maryland.”
The Vax Act aligns with broader state efforts to maintain vaccination rates. In Southern Maryland, local health departments in Calvert, Charles and St. Marys counties participate in the adult vaccine program, offering shots at sites like the Calvert County Health Department in Prince Frederick. These facilities have administered vaccines under the initiative since late 2025, targeting residents without adequate insurance.
The General Assembly convenes Jan. 14, 2026, with the Vax Act expected among early priorities. If passed, it would take effect immediately to stabilize policy. State officials project no additional costs, as it leverages existing department resources.
This move reflects a national trend of states asserting independence on health matters. Maryland’s actions, including coalition memberships, position it as a leader in the Northeast for science-driven policy.