Immunizations are one of the most important ways to protect children, adults and families from serious diseases. Public health provides information for parents, health care professionals, school nurses, childcare providers and others who are making decisions about or recommending immunization as a means to prevent diseases. Our goal is to assist individuals in making good choices that will protect them, their children,
and the public’s health.
Adult immunizations – Adults need vaccines too. Consultation regarding adult recommendations is available by calling 301-475-4324. Pneumonia vaccination is offered, for cost, through our Nurse of the Day clinic; as a courtesy Medicare can be billed. Flu vaccine is recommended every year for everyone 6 months and older. See our flu clinic information for flu vaccine services. Flu vaccination is recommended every year for everyone 6 months and older. See our flu clinic information for flu vaccine services.
Information about adult immunizations
Back-to-school immunizations – The health department is responsible for enforcing legislation requiring proof of immunization as a condition for school entry. School nurses and health department nurses are partners with families in meeting school requirements. For help call your school nurse or the health department at 301-475-4324.
Maryland School Year 2011- 2012 Vaccine Requirements For Children
Maryland Immunization Certification Form
Pre-teen and adolescent immunizations - As kids get older, protection from some childhood vaccines begin to wear off. Pre-teens and adolescents can also develop risks for other diseases. A health check-up, with your family doctor, is the right time for pre-teens and adolescents to get vaccines including the tetanus, diptheria, and pertussis (Tdap), meningococcal/meningitis, and Human Papilloma vaccine (HPV). Flu vaccine is recommended for every year for everyone 6 months and older.
Meningitis vaccine is offered, for a fee, to high school students and college students planning to live in a dormitory.
Children’s immunizations – The Vaccines for Children Program is a federally funded free vaccine program for eligible children provided through private pediatric providers. St. Mary’s County Health Department staff is available to refer children to providers and determine eligibility for the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program, which covers well child visits, by calling 301-475-4330.
Information about children immunizations
Rabies prevention and treatment – Pre-exposure rabies vaccines and titers are available through St. Mary’s County Health Department, for hunters, taxidermists, veterinary workers and animal control officers; by appointment. For appointment call 301-475-4324.
Post-exposure rabies management recommendations are available by calling 301-475-4316; this includes obtaining rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin, at cost, for treatment by primary health care providers.
How to prevent rabies
Flu vaccine clinics – The St. Mary's County Health Department offers flu vaccine clinics to the public each flu season. The location and dates of the clinics vary. Flu vaccine clinic availability is posted on our HOME page under Public Health Spot Light. Information about the flu or flu vaccine is available by calling 301-475-4316.
Seasonal flu and what you need to know
Fact Sheets
Vaccine Information Statements
Links