Maryland 2025 – The Maryland Department of Health recently announced the launch of a statewide public information campaign to raise awareness about the importance of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines and immunizations for pregnant women, infants, seniors and other at-risk populations.
The launch is part of a larger ongoing statewide campaign about how Marylanders can protect themselves against respiratory viruses - including COVID-19, seasonal flu and RSV - with vaccinations and healthy habits to limit the spread of germs.
The $1.8 million campaign, funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, includes television, radio, and digital advertising targeting those most at risk for severe illness as well as communities with lower vaccination rates. RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause severe illness, including hospitalization or death, for at-risk populations, including infants and older adults.
The RSV messaging focuses in part on protecting newborns from severe RSV with the maternal RSV vaccination for pregnant women introduced last year. The maternal vaccine is administered between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect infants from severe RSV for up to six months. There is also an RSV immunization now available for babies who are not protected by the maternal vaccine, which can be given in the hospital after delivery.
“RSV poses a significant threat to the health of our most vulnerable residents, including newborns and older adults, but there are safe and effective vaccines to protect ourselves and those we love,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “By getting vaccinated, pregnant women can pass on critical protection to their newborns, giving them a vital defense against a potentially life-threatening illness. If the baby is not protected before birth, parents can protect them with RSV immunization as well."
The campaign also focuses on raising awareness about the RSV vaccine for older adults. All Marylanders 75 years of age and older and those over 60 with risk factors are eligible for an RSV vaccine, which has been shown to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization and severe illness.
The overall public awareness campaign about respiratory virus prevention began in December, with messaging about annual vaccines for COVID-19 and seasonal flu. The campaign informs Marylanders that although respiratory viruses are circulating, “Protection is within Arm’s Reach” with vaccines. It also encourages Marylanders who are vaccinated to “Flex Your Protection.”
The campaign is now airing on television and radio statewide. Digital media, billboards, and print advertising are also being utilized to reach all Marylanders in English and Spanish, with a special emphasis on parents of infants, older adults, and at-risk populations.
Marylanders can visit health.maryland.gov/vaccines for more information. To learn more about RSV, including case rates in Maryland, please visit health.maryland.gov/RSV.
