Subtitle 5 – Immunizations
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Part I – Purpose and Need
Balt., Md., Code § 4-501 (2026)
§ 4-501 In general.LinkCopy Citation
Immunizations are a proven preventive measure in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with childhood communicable diseases. Accordingly, to safeguard the public health and welfare, the City needs to attain and sustain an immunization coverage rate of at least 90% for age-appropriate vaccinations among infants and preschool children residing in the City.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 4-502 (2026)
§ 4-502LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Part II – Immunization Required
Balt., Md., Code § 4-503 (2026)
§ 4-503 Parental responsibility.LinkCopy Citation
Except as specified in <cite data-path="|health|§4-506">§ 4-506 {“Exceptions”} of this subtitle</cite>, every parent and guardian must provide for the timely and appropriate immunization of their minor children against all immunization-preventable childhood diseases, as specified by rule or regulation that the Commissioner adopts under <cite data-path="|health|§2-106">§ 2-106 {“Rules and regulations”} of this article</cite>.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Text Conformed 03/10/21
Balt., Md., Code § 4-504 (2026)
§ 4-504 Scope of enforcement.LinkCopy Citation
In enforcing this Part II, each child who is not properly immunized as required is considered a separate offense.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 4-505 (2026)
§ 4-505 Rules and regulations.LinkCopy Citation
In adopting rules and regulations under this Part II, the Commissioner must consider the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 4-506 (2026)
§ 4-506 Exceptions.LinkCopy Citation
This Part II does not apply:
(1)
to any child whose parent or guardian, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the State Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene, objects to immunization on the ground that it conflicts with the parent’s or guardian’s bona fide religious beliefs and practices; or
(2)
if, because of a child’s medical condition, the administration of an immunizing agent could precipitate a medical emergency.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 4-507 to 4-508 (2026)
§§ 4-507 to 4-508LinkCopy Citation
Reserved
Part III – Pediatric Registry
Balt., Md., Code § 4-509 (2026)
§ 4-509 Commissioner to establish registry.LinkCopy Citation
The Commissioner of Health is directed to adopt rules and regulations under <cite data-path="|health|§2-106">§ 2-106 {“Rules and regulations”} of this article</cite> to implement a registry of immunization history for children residing in the City.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Text Conformed 03/10/21
Balt., Md., Code § 4-510 (2026)
§ 4-510 Reports by health care providers.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Duty to report.
Each pediatric, family, and general health care provider must report to the Commissioner whenever that provider administers an immunizing agent to any child who is less than 5 years old and resides in the City.
(b)When to report.
The report must be made within 14 days after administering the immunizing agent.
History: Ord. 99-548
Balt., Md., Code § 4-511 (2026)
§ 4-511 Civil penalties: $1,000.LinkCopy Citation
(a)Fine.
Any health care provider who violates any provision of this Part III or of a rule or regulation adopted under it is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 for each violation.
(b)Withholding assistance; records audit.
In addition to imposing a fine, the court may:
(1)
issue an order for withholding publicly distributed vaccines or pediatric primary care funding or both vaccines and funding; and
(2)
order the Department to conduct a medical records audit of the health care provider, the cost of the audit to be paid by the health care provider.
(c)Subtitle 9 inapplicable.
Subtitle 9 {“Penalties”} of this title does not apply to violations of this Part III.
History: Ord. 99-548
History: Ord. 00-020