Officials say it’s to guide residents on what vaccines they need for the cold weather months.
Baltimore, Md (KM) The Maryland Department of Health has issued vaccine guidelines for residents when it comes to the flu, COVID-19 and RSV or Respiratory Syncytial Virus. Dr. Meg Sullivan, Deputy Secretary of Public Health, says there are a number of reasons for these guidelines. “These three viruses–the COVID, the flu and RSV–continue to be a significant source of illness and death in the community,” says Dr. Sullivan. “The second is that vaccines continue to remain one of the most crucial and simple way that the public can protect themselves and their community from these viruses.”
The third reasons, she says ,is to remind residents who should get these vaccines. “For the flu vaccine, it continues to be recommended that anyone ages six months and older get an annual flu shot,”: she says. “We are at the beginning of flu season and really encourage people to get it now to be able to protect themselves throughout the entire flu season.
Dr. Sullivan says for COVID, anyone who is six months or older should get that vaccination. “And then for RSV, the recommendations are a little more nuanced and specific during pregnancy; infants born during the RSV season; and then older adults, particularly those over the age of 75,. and those over the age of 50 with risk factor.” she says.
As part of its guidelines, the Health Department has issued a standing order allowing all Marylanders throughout the state to have easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine, and authorizes qualified health care providers to administer that vaccine.
Dr. Sullivan says these recommendations on immunizations and the COVID-19 vaccine are based on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics; The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“There has been a lot of confusion and mixed messages about these vaccines that we really took the time to work to ensure that there was clear guidance for the public for health care providers as well as issuing a statewide standing order,” she says.
Dr. Sullivan recommends anyone who has questions about which vaccines they need to consult with their health care provider.
By Kevin McManus