Dianna E. Abney, M.D.; Toby Gordon, Sc.D.; Victoria E. McIntyre; one vacancy. Terms expire 2022.
Alyson Bennett, R.N.; Rebecca G. Carter, M.D.; Aditya Chopra, M.D.; Yen Dang, Pharm.D.; Russell Lewis, M.D. Terms expire 2023.
Deborah W. Busch, D.N.P.; Janaki Deepak, M.D.; Alicia L. Mezu, R.N.; Sara A. Vazer, M.D. Terms expire 2024.
Mary A. Caudle; Elizabeth A. Elliott. Terms expire 2026.
Ex officio: Mohammed Choudhury, State Superintendent of Schools; David S. B. Blythe, M.D., State Epidemilogist.
Staff: Elease Booker-Ragin
![[photo, 201 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/16dhmh/images/1198-1-584.jpg)
c/o Center for Immunization, Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Outbreak Response
O'Conor State Office Building, 201 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland, November 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
The Commission determines where vaccine shortages exist in Maryland and which vaccines are in short supply. It also makes recommendations on immunization requirements for children entering school. The elimination of any disparities in vaccine distribution, and options for the purchasing of vaccines, including the development of a universal vaccine purchasing system, are studied by the Commission. Additionally, the Commission studies plans to increase the availabilty and affordability of adult, adolescent and childhood vaccines in the State (Code Health-General Article, sec. 18-214).
Since July 2007, the Commission further is charged to study the use of thimerosal in vaccines, and the availability and affordability of thimerosal-free vaccines (Chapter 504, Acts of 2007). Since June 2010, the Commission also must review provider reimbursement barriers to increasing immunizations; effectiveness of public outreach campaigns about benefits of immunizations; shifting the cost of immunizations of privately insured patients who are inoculated at local health departments; and the potential administrative burden associated with the State purchase of vaccines (Chapter 672, Acts of 2010).
In cooperation with the Statewide Advisory Commission on Immunizations and the State Board of Education, the Maryland Department of Health adopts rules and regulations for immunizations and blood tests for lead poisoning required for children entering school (Code Education Article, sec. 7-403).
The Statewide Advisory Commission consists of up to twenty members. Most are appointed by the Secretary of Health to four-year terms. Two serve ex officio. In consultation with MedChi, the Maryland State Medical Society, the Secretary of Health names the Chair (Chapter 220, Acts of 2022).
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