Maryland Department of Health Expands Free Vaccine Program for Uninsured Adults

Ten Federally Qualified Health Centers across Maryland have joined the Maryland Vaccine Program, expanding access to free recommended vaccines for uninsured and underinsured adults. Launched last year by the Maryland Department of Health, the program provides vaccines to Maryland residents age 19 and older who lack insurance coverage. The program is supported by $2.8 million in state funding to help reduce vaccine-preventable illnesses, including influenza, measles, pneumonia, RSV and shingles. Maryland Department of Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani says adding health centers will give eligible Marylanders more locations to receive vaccines and help protect communities from preventable diseases. Residents can find participating locations through the Maryland Vaccine Program website or by contacting their local health department. The expansion comes as Maryland also implements the Vax Act, which requires insurance coverage for recommended immunizations and preventive services without cost-sharing and allows pharmacists to administer routine vaccines to patients age three and older.

Additional Information from the Maryland Department of Health:

Marylanders can find a Maryland Vaccine Program distribution center by visiting health.maryland.gov/MVP or by contacting their local health department to check availability or for additional information.

In addition to the Maryland Vaccine Program, state legislators passed the Vax Act (HB 637/SB 385) this spring, granting Maryland’s Secretary of Health the authority to issue independent, science-based immunization and preventive care guidelines. The Act mandates that health insurance companies cover all immunizations and preventive services in these guidelines without cost-sharing, and reauthorizes pharmacists to safely administer routine vaccines to patients aged three and older.