Immunizations protect us from serious diseases and also prevent the spread of those diseases to others. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available.
The best way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is by getting fully vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended for anyone age 6 months and older. For more information or to make an appointment, please visit smchd.org/covid-19/ or call (301) 475-4330.
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
To make an appointment, please call 301-475-6807 or 301-278-1412.
- Margaret Brent Middle School-Based Health Center
- Saturday, September 14, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Spring Ridge Middle School-Based Health Center
- Saturday, September 21, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- SMCHD Main Office in Leonardtown
- Friday, July 26, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Learn about Vaccines with CDC Interactive Guide
Click through this interactive guide to learn about vaccines recommended for you and your family and about vaccine-preventable diseases.
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.
- Making the Vaccine Decision: Addressing Common Concerns
- Maryland Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
Vaccine Schedule (Birth – 6 years)
Vaccine Schedule (7 – 18 years)
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, Td vaccine is recommended every ten years. Adults may need other vaccines based on age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, or travel habits. Learn which vaccines are recommended for you by taking CDC’s adult vaccination quiz.
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 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.