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Maryland Department of Health

@mdhealthdept.bsky.social

3.1K followers 9 following 140 posts

The Maryland Department of Health works to protect and advance the health and well-being of all Marylanders through systems that work for people.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 19d

RELEASE: The Maryland Department of Health protects broad vaccine access for Marylanders - makes recommendations rooted in science. State issues guidance for clinicians, consumers and a statewide standing order for COVID-19 vaccines. Learn more: bit.ly/3Kct7jt.

News. Respiratory Vaccine Guidance, COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order. September 19, 2025. The Maryland Department of Health has issued a standing order to ensure COVID-19 vaccine access. “The Maryland Department of Health is focused on using evidence-based science to make decisions that best serve the people of our state. Research continues to show that vaccines are an effective way to keep our communities healthy,” said Maryland Department of Health Secretary Meena Seshamani, MD, Ph.D.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 1h

With the start of sweater weather, roll up your sleeves and get your flu vaccine. The flu can lead to serious illnesses, such as pneumonia, especially for older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions. To learn more, visit: health.maryland.gov/flu.

Pick health choices this fall. Wash hands often. Stay home when sick. Cover coughs and sneezes. Get vaccinated.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 23h

Now that fall is here, prepare your home for the colder weather inside and out.
🔋 Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace the batteries if necessary.
🏡 Clean out your gutters to remove debris and prevent damage.
Learn more tips: bit.ly/42e2YqM

Prep your home for fall. Clean out gutters. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Build or update your emergency supply kit. Set ladders on firm, flat services.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 1d

In the early stages, breast cancer is usually not painful. But some things may be signs of breast cancer. Know the signs and talk to your health care provider for concerns.

Recognize signs of breast cancer: one breast changes size or shape, a lump in a breast or armpit, a sunken dip (dimple) on the nipple or elsewhere on the breast, red or scaly skin on a breast that doesn’t go away, a clear or bloody fluid comes out of a nipple. Early detection saves lives.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 2d

During the Maryland 2024-2025 respiratory virus season:
🔴Nearly 5,000 were hospitalized w/ COVID-19
🔴8,000+ were hospitalized w/ the flu
🔴2,600+ were hospitalized w/ RSV
Lower your risk of hospitalization. Talk to your doctor about vaccines.
Source: bit.ly/4o4uOy8

During the Maryland 2024-2025 respiratory virus season approximately 5,000 hospitalized with COVID-19, 8,000 hospitalized with the flu, 2,600 hospitalized with RSV. Lower your risk of hospitalization. Get vaccinated.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 2d

The Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration has streamlined its waiver programs to make services easier to access. The new Community Pathways Waiver takes effect today. Learn more: bit.ly/46BdVoQ.

News. Maryland streamlines Medicaid waiver programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 3d

Regular exercise, hobbies, and good nutrition are keys to active aging and a healthy brain — and supporting your quit journey! It’s never too late to quit smoking. Need support? Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text READY to 34191. #ActiveAgingWeek.

Exercise, healthy hobbies, good nutrition, quit tobacco. It’s never too late. Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW or text READY to 34191.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 6d

Finding the perfect pumpkin and cheering at the Homecoming game are two fall favorites. Make sure you and your loved ones don’t miss out. Stay healthy this season by getting the flu vaccine. Learn more at health.maryland.gov/vaccines

Keep your family healthy this fall. Wash hands often. Stay home when sick. Cover coughs and sneezes. Get vaccinated.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 6d

1 in 3 people have prediabetes, but 8 out of 10 don't know it. Understand your risk by taking the 1-minute quiz at health.maryland.gov/prediabetes

Take a 1-minute quiz. Know your risk for prediabetes.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 7d

Walking is the official Maryland state exercise! To celebrate the 11th annual #WalkMarylandDay, the Maryland Department of Health and Maryland Department of Aging joined at State Center to get out in the sunshine and walk. Join us and get active to improve your health and well-being.

State employees smile together for a group photo outside at State Center.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 7d

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women.* Know your risk of breast cancer and talk to your doctor about routine screening for breast cancer.
*Source: Centers for Disease Prevention and Control

1 out of 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Source: American Cancer Society. Early detection saves lives.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 7d

Maryland Access Point (MAP) helps individuals with disabilities and their families connect to long-term services and supports. Use MAP's Search Tool to find resources and programs in your community: search.marylandaccesspoint.211md.org

A person holds on to another’s hand to comfort them.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 8d

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Maryland. Older men, Black men, and those with a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk. Discuss screening options with your doctor. Learn more: bit.ly/3WefjHK.

Is prostate screening right for you? Men aged 55-69 should consider screening if you are at risk or increased risk for prostate cancer, do not have symptoms of prostate cancer, have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Talk to your health care provider about the right choice for you.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 9d

Service members and veterans are trained to be mentally strong and put others first, but some may not know how to ask for help. In honor of Maryland Veterans Suicide Prevention Day, explore resources for service members, veterans and their families: bit.ly/SMVFSuicidePrevention

Responding to Suicidal Ideation and Suicide for Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families. A Prevention and Postvention Toolkit.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 9d

Get moving, Maryland! Lace up your shoes and join others across the state to celebrate walking—our official state exercise. You can form a group to walk, roll, or join an existing group: bit.ly/4mO1g6Z.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 9d

#NationalPreparednessMonth is a great time to prepare for the hurricane season in Maryland that lasts from now through mid-October.
💼Pack a 3-day food supply and 1 gallon of water per person daily.
📱Update family communication plan.
Learn more: bit.ly/4lSYMnh.

National Preparedness Month. Stay prepared for hurricanes. Stock up on medication, disinfectant, water, and pet supplies. Collect and update insurance policies and personal documents. Declutter all drains and gutters.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 10d

Stay sharp and independent as you age! Take care of your brain with these #HealthyAging tips.

Healthy choices. Healthy brain. Lifestyle changes lead to better health. Eat healthy. Get active. Quit smoking and vaping. Get enough sleep. Talk to your doctor.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 11d

Rabies is deadly, but preventable. Learn how to protect yourself, your family, and your community with these tips: health.maryland.gov/rabies
#GlobalRabiesDay

Be alert and don't touch! Raccoons, bats, skunks, and stray cats and dogs can carry rabies.

Learn more about rabies and how to keep your family and pets safe. health.maryland.gov/rabies

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 12d

Prepare for RSV season with immunization for newborns and infants. The RSV monoclonal antibody for babies is 90% effective at preventing RSV-associated hospitalization for babies in their first RSV season.* Learn more: health.maryland.gov/RSV.
*Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Protect your child from RSV. Talk to your doctor about vaccines.

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 13d

Many people think installing a car seat with lower anchors is the safest option, but installing a car seat with the seat belt or lower anchors is equally as safe as long as they are used correctly. Still have questions? Schedule a free seat check: bit.ly/4npU0Pd

Installing your car seat with a seat belt. Route the seat belt through the correct path. Ensure the car seat’s angle is correct. Use the seat belt or lower anchors, not both. Lock the seat belt at the retractor, or by using your built-in lock-off. Install the car seat so tightly that it does not move more than one inch.

Installing your car seat with lower anchors. Route lower anchors attachments through the correct path. Use the seat belt or lower anchors, not both. Connect lower anchor attachments to correct anchor points. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for more information. Ensure lower anchor attachments aren’t upside down. Install the car seat so tightly that it does not move more than one inch. Ensure child’s weight doesn’t exceed lower anchor weight limit.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 13d

#DYK The Maryland Family Planning Program provides accessible and affordable sexual and reproductive health services at over 60 clinic locations statewide. Services are free or affordable, and insurance, including Medicaid, is accepted. Learn more: bit.ly/4mrfhHm. #WorldContraceptionDay

Let’s talk about STIs. Swipe to learn about STIs and prevention.

What are STIs? A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is a virus, bacteria, fungus, or parasite people can get through sexual contact.

How are they transmitted? STIs pass from one person to another through sex, as well as genital skin-to-skin contact.

How can you protect yourself? Get tested and share your results with partners. Use condoms every time you have sex. Get vaccinated.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 13d

Family support is crucial for building strong, inclusive communities. The Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration works to connect families, strengthen their capabilities, and improve access to resources. Discover more about the focus area: bit.ly/46yDx4m

Developmental Disabilities Administration. Support Service Focus: Family Support. Connect families to support each other. Help families use their existing strengths and abilities to support their loved ones. Increase access to resources, support and services.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 13d

Pregnancy and recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. #MarylandMedicaid’s MOM Program supports pregnant members with opioid use disorder. This #NationalRecoveryMonth, spread the word so families get the care they need: bit.ly/4g0GvCL.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 14d

Stay healthy this flu season! Secretary Meena Seshamani proudly got her flu shot today at Montgomery County Dept. of Health and Human Services' flu clinic. MDH is committed to ensuring Marylanders can get the vaccines that keep them healthy all year. Find a flu clinic: health.maryland.gov/vaccines

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Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 15d

Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, but you can lower your risk by following these safety tips. Learn more at: bit.ly/4py7r1s.

Reduce your fall risk. Exercise for strength, flexibility and balance. Wear lightweight, anti-slip shoes that fit well. Keep floors and walkways clear. Add assistive devices like handrails and grab bars.

Maryland Department of Health @mdhealthdept.bsky.social · 16d

The Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration ensures families have access to person-centered and family-centered resources for Marylanders with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Learn more: bit.ly/40jyKBC

Get the support you need and deserve. Access support services through the Maryland Department of Health’s Developmental Disabilities Administration.