Immunizations

Protecting us and others from serious diseases

Immunizations protect us from serious diseases and prevent their spread to others. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.

Back to School Vaccine Clinics

The St. Mary’s County Health Department (SMCHD) is hosting free back-to-school vaccination clinics for children ages birth to 18 years living in St. Mary’s County. Appointments are recommended. A parent or guardian must be present and bring the child’s immunization record and any related school forms.

Vaccines being offered:

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough)
Meningococcal (meningitis)
MenB (Serogroup B Meningococcal)
HPV (human papillomavirus)
Varicella (chicken pox)

Clinics: Check back in for 2025 clinic dates this Fall!

Children & Adolescents

Vaccinating children & adolescents according to the recommended schedules protects them from potentially deadly diseases. Vaccines don’t just protect your child – they also protect other children and others who may not be able to be vaccinated.

The St. Mary’s County Health Department provides immunizations for little to no cost through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program to eligible children that are 18 years of age and younger living in St. Mary’s County.

To be eligible you must be:

18 years of age and younger
Uninsured
Underinsured (health insurance that does not cover vaccines)
Covered by Medical Assistance
American Indian or Alaskan Native

Those with private insurance should schedule their vaccine appointments with their pediatrician.

Adults

Vaccinations are important for all ages. It is recommended that all adults receive an influenza (flu) vaccine every year by the end of October, if possible. Also, the Tetanus vaccine is recommended every ten years. Adults may need other vaccines based on age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, or travel habits.

Influenza (Flu) Vaccine

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get an influenza (flu) vaccine every season. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza. SMCHD offers flu vaccine clinics to St. Mary’s County residents each flu season. Location and dates vary from year to year. For more information, please visit: smchd.org/flu.

Rabies Prevention and Treatment

The Rabies Prevention Program at the St. Mary’s County Health Department offers pre-exposure rabies vaccines and titers by appointment for hunters, taxidermists, veterinary workers, and animal control officers. Post-exposure rabies management recommendations are also available – this includes obtaining rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin, at cost, for treatment by primary health care providers. For more information, please call (301) 475-4330.