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.
Free Adult Vaccine Program
The Free Adult Vaccine Program is part of a new initiative launched by the state of Maryland to expand immunization access for uninsured and underinsured adults. The goal is to reduce barriers and help prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases across Maryland. Starting January 5, 2026 SMCHD will offer recommended vaccines for free to Marylanders aged 19 and older.
Who is Eligible
Uninsured and underinsured adults age 19 and older. “Underinsured” means your health insurance does not cover recommended vaccines, or you have high out-of-pocket costs for vaccines.
Vaccines Offered
- COVID-19
- Flu
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Whooping Cough)
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV, for adults 60+ or at risk)
- Pneumococcal
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- Hepatitis B
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- IPOL (Poliovirus Vaccine Inactivated)
- Shingrix (Shingles)
No Cost
All vaccines provided through this program are free for eligible adults. You may be asked to confirm your insurance status, but no one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
How to Get Vaccinated
SMCHD’s Health Clinic in Leonardtown will be offering free vaccines through the Maryland Vaccine Program. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, please call 301-475-4330 and ask for Clinical Services.
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.
- Maryland Department of Health Immunization Information for the Public
- Maryland Department of Health Immunization Information for New Parents
- Maryland Back-to-School Immunization Requirements
The St. Mary’s County Health Department offers immunizations at little to no cost through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program to eligible children aged 18 years and younger residing in St. Mary’s County at our Health Clinic in Leonardtown.
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
Vaccines offered include:
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough)
- Meningococcal (meningitis)
- MenB (Serogroup B Meningococcal)
- HPV (human papillomavirus)
- Varicella (chicken pox)
- MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Those with private insurance should schedule their vaccine appointments with their pediatrician.
SMCHD hosts Back to School Vaccine Clinics in the late summer of each year. Check back in Summer 2026 for our next Back to School Vaccine Clinic dates!
Adults
Vaccinations are essential for all ages. It is recommended that all adults receive an influenza (flu) vaccine by the end of October, if possible, every year. Also, the Tetanus vaccine is recommended every ten years. Adults may require additional vaccines based on their age, health conditions, occupation, 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 individuals 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, which include obtaining rabies vaccine and rabies immune globulin for treatment by primary healthcare providers. For more information, please call (301) 475-4330.
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