![[photo, 201 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland]](/msa/mdmanual/16dhmh/images/1198-1-584.jpg)
Appointed by Secretary of Health & Mental Hygiene to 3-year terms: David S. B. Blythe, M.D.; Gregory Wm. Branch, M.D.; J. Crossan O' Donovan, M.D.; Deena Speights-Napata; Tiffany Tate. Terms expire 2013.
Julie A. Ake, M.D.; Kathleen L. Becker; Susan J. Chaitovitz, M.D.; Charles Fleming; Jeffrey Kaplan, M.D.; Charles R. Medani, M.D.; Alicia Mezu; James Rice, M.D.; Jennifer Thomas, Pharm.D.; Sara A. Vazer, M.D. Terms expire 2015.
201 West Preston St., Baltimore, Maryland, November 2003. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.
c/o Center for Immunization, Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Outbreak Response
Prevention & Health Promotion Administration
Dept. of Health & Mental Hygiene
201 West Preston St., Baltimore, MD 21201 - 2399
(410) 767-6679
e-mail: greg.reed@maryland.gov
web: www.dhmh.maryland.gov/taskforces/sitepages/immunizations.aspx
The Commission determines where vaccine shortages exist in Maryland and which vaccines are in short supply. Also, the Commission 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 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene adopts rules and regulations for immunizations and blood tests for lead poisoning required for children entering school (Code Eduation Article, sec. 7-403).
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