As flu season draws near, Maryland is taking a bold stance to ensure its residents can access vital vaccines, even as some states contemplate lifting vaccine mandates.

Residents of Maryland can readily obtain flu vaccinations from local healthcare providers and pharmacies, along with guidance on the most appropriate vaccines to combat various viruses and illnesses.

The CDC strongly recommends that everyone aged six and older receive the flu shot to bolster their defenses against the impending flu season.

This commitment to vaccination comes amid the FDA's approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax, specifically targeted at certain high-risk groups.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has voiced concerns about the chaotic shifts in federal vaccine policies, warning that they could lead to dire public health consequences for Marylanders and Americans at large.

In response to ongoing federal vaccine guidance challenges, Moore emphasized that health and safety remain top priorities. Notably, he signed a law in 2024 that allows pharmacists to administer COVID-19 and flu vaccines to anyone aged three and over without needing a prescription.

"Our responsibility is to ensure the well-being of Marylanders and to provide access to essential medicines like vaccines," Governor Moore declared.

Maryland is not alone in this pursuit; Massachusetts is mirroring the state's efforts to secure vaccine access, especially as Florida edges closer to eliminating school vaccine mandates.

Public sentiment supports vaccination, with nearly 80% of U.S. adults agreeing that children should be vaccinated to attend school, according to a recent Harvard/SSRS poll.

"Vaccines remain one of the strongest public health measures to protect our communities from disease," stated Dr. Meena Seshamani, Maryland's Department of Health Secretary.

With the excitement of flu season on the horizon, Maryland is committed to safeguarding the health of its residents and ensuring they have every opportunity to stay protected.