Maryland separates from RFK Jr. vaccine guidance
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The Bottom Line
Maryland will now issue its own official immunization recommendations, separating from CDC guidance.
How This Affects You
Maryland residents will receive public health guidance on vaccines and preventive services based on state-specific recommendations rather than national CDC standards.
AI Summary
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed the Vax Act, which directs the state's health secretary to issue official recommendations for immunizations, screening, and preventive services. This legislation means Maryland will no longer rely on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for these guidelines. The move separates Maryland's public health guidance from the national standard set by ACIP, which is a key advisory body for vaccine policy. This decision comes as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been a prominent voice on vaccine-related issues, suggesting a potential divergence from his views by the state. The Vax Act establishes an independent state process for developing health recommendations.
What's Being Done
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed the Vax Act, which directs the state's health secretary to issue official recommendations.
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