Maryland Governor Moore Introduces Vax Act of 2026 to Become Independent from Federal Vaccine Policies

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Governor Wes Moore has announced the introduction of the Vax Act of 2026, a legislative proposal aimed at strengthening vaccine access in Maryland. This initiative comes as a direct response to actions taken by the federal government, which Governor Moore states have created confusion and eroded trust in vaccine science. The Vax Act intends to provide Maryland with the autonomy to set its own immunization standards, independent of federal policy fluctuations.

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The legislation empowers the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Health to establish official recommendations for immunizations, screenings, and preventive services. According to Governor Moore, these recommendations will be based on scientific evidence and clinical guidance, with a specific emphasis on considering the independent recommendations of authoritative medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Colleges of Obstetrics and Gynecology. While federal and other state guidance may be taken into account, the bill decouples Maryland’s vaccine authority from federal bodies, allowing the state to make decisions based on its own assessments. The Vax Act also explicitly ensures continued insurance coverage for vaccines and maintains expanded vaccination authority for pharmacists, enabling them to administer a wider range of vaccines without a prescription to individuals aged three and older.

Governor Moore’s administration has been actively working to bolster vaccine access in Maryland. Prior legislative efforts have secured insurance coverage for all vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Furthermore, Maryland joined the bipartisan Northeast Public Health Collaborative and the GovAct Public Health Alliance in 2025, fostering collaboration with other states regarding health guidance. A significant program introduced by the state provides free adult vaccinations administered by the Maryland Department of Health to uninsured and underinsured residents aged 19 and older at local health departments.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

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