Pharmacist Authority to Order Vaccines for Ages 3 and Older

Detected April 1st, 2026

Summary

Maryland Senate Bill 0773 would expand pharmacist authority to allow ordering vaccines for children ages 3 and older, removing the current requirement for a physician's order or prescription for this age group. The bill modifies existing pharmacist scope of practice provisions under Maryland law.

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What changed

Senate Bill 0773 proposes to authorize licensed pharmacists in Maryland to order and administer vaccines to individuals aged 3 and older without requiring a prior physician order or prescription. This represents an expansion of pharmacist authority beyond current law, which may restrict vaccine ordering to adults or require a doctor's prescription for pediatric patients.

Pharmacies and pharmacists in Maryland should monitor this legislation as it progresses through the General Assembly. If enacted, pharmacies will need to update protocols, training, and staffing procedures to accommodate the new ordering authority. Retail pharmacy chains operating in Maryland may need to assess operational changes required to serve younger pediatric patients. Healthcare providers referring patients for vaccinations should be aware that pharmacists may assume greater independence in vaccine administration decisions.

What to do next

Monitor SB0773 progress through Maryland Senate and House committees
Review current pharmacy protocols for pediatric vaccination services
Assess staffing and training requirements if bill is enacted

Source document (simplified)

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placeholder To Governor Title Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders Sponsored by Senator Augustine Status In the House - Favorable with Amendments Report by Health Analysis Fiscal and Policy Note Synopsis Authorizing a pharmacist to order certain vaccinations for individuals who are at least 3 years old without having to also administer the vaccination. Committees Original: Finance Opposite: Health Committee Testimony Witness List Details Cross-filed with: HB1135 Bill File Type: Regular Effective Date(s): October 1, 2026 History
| Legislation History |
| --- |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/06/2026 Legislative Date 2/06/2026 Action First Reading Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - First - Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 2/12/2026 Legislative Date 2/12/2026 Action Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Vote - Senate - Committee - Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/09/2026 Legislative Date 3/09/2026 Action Favorable Report by Finance Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/10/2026 Legislative Date 2/25/2026 Action Favorable Adopted Proceedings 36 |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/10/2026 Legislative Date 2/25/2026 Action Second Reading Passed Proceedings 36 |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Text - Third - Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders Proceedings |
| Chamber Senate Calendar Date 3/12/2026 Legislative Date 2/27/2026 Action Third Reading Passed (33-12) Proceedings 38 |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/13/2026 Legislative Date 3/01/2026 Action Referred Health Proceedings 38 |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 3/17/2026 Legislative Date 3/17/2026 Action Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m. Proceedings |
| Chamber Calendar Date Legislative Date Action Vote - House - Committee - Health Proceedings |
| Chamber House Calendar Date 4/01/2026 Legislative Date 4/01/2026 Action Favorable with Amendments Report by Health Proceedings |

| Chamber | Calendar Date | Legislative Date | Action | Proceedings |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Senate | 2/06/2026 | 2/06/2026 | First Reading Finance | |
| | | | Text - First - Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders | |
| Senate | 2/12/2026 | 2/12/2026 | Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m. | |
| | | | Vote - Senate - Committee - Finance | |
| Senate | 3/09/2026 | 3/09/2026 | Favorable Report by Finance | |
| Senate | 3/10/2026 | 2/25/2026 | Favorable Adopted | 36 |
| Senate | 3/10/2026 | 2/25/2026 | Second Reading Passed | 36 |
| | | | Text - Third - Health Occupations - Pharmacists - Vaccination Orders | |
| Senate | 3/12/2026 | 2/27/2026 | Third Reading Passed (33-12) | 38 |
| House | 3/13/2026 | 3/01/2026 | Referred Health | 38 |
| House | 3/17/2026 | 3/17/2026 | Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m. | |
| | | | Vote - House - Committee - Health | |
| House | 4/01/2026 | 4/01/2026 | Favorable with Amendments Report by Health | |
File Code Health Occupations Subjects Caregivers Children (4-12) Health Occupations -see also- (specific health occupations) Immunization Pharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- Drugs Records -see also- Land Records; Vital Records Youth (10-21) -see also- Minors Statutes Article - Health Occupations (12-508) Last Updated: 3/31/2026 4:58 PM