Governor signs executive order at CHOP to ensure access to vaccines.

In a decisive move aimed at safeguarding public health, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order to enhance access to vaccines amidst rising concerns about recent federal policies. This executive order is particularly focused on providing free vaccines to children and ensuring that health insurers cover FDA-approved vaccines without imposing financial barriers to access.

The signing took place at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, underscoring the importance of children’s health. The new initiative closely mirrors the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which offers vaccinations for those eligible through Medicaid, as well as for uninsured or underinsured children—a demographic that encompasses approximately 50% of American children.

In a proactive stance, Governor Shapiro’s order mandates that health insurers in Pennsylvania will facilitate access to vaccines recommended by reputable medical groups. He indicated that private insurers had already agreed to continue covering these vaccines at least through December 2026. The governor emphasized the necessity for Pennsylvanians to have the freedom to make informed healthcare decisions, thereby expecting insurance companies to align with this directive in light of uncertain federal guidance.

Governor Shapiro’s actions are part of a broader trend among Democratic-led states, where executives have similarly enacted orders to bolster vaccine access. For example, New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy approved a measure enabling anyone over six months to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, while New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul declared a statewide disaster emergency to facilitate vaccinations.

These state-level measures come in response to federal moves that have imposed restrictions on COVID-19 vaccines, resulting in confusion among healthcare providers. Under the leadership of FDA’s Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the agency recently narrowed the eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots and revoked authorizations for certain children. Moreover, changes to the advisory committee for vaccines have led to further uncertainty, delaying clear guidance for pharmacists and impacting vaccine distribution.

The governor’s order not only aims to shield Pennsylvania from federal vaccine policy fluctuations but also establishes a new educational framework. A vaccine education workgroup will collaborate to ensure the public receives reliable, evidence-based vaccine information. Simultaneously, Shapiro noted that over half of all vaccines in the United States are produced in Pennsylvania, generating approximately .74 billion annually and providing thousands of jobs in the process.

This initiative surfaces at a critical time; misinformation about vaccine safety has contributed to declining vaccination rates among children in Pennsylvania. Reports indicate a concerning trend, with vaccination rates for diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella declining by 3% over the past five years. As the state directs agencies to develop strategies aligned with established medical standards, Shapiro’s administration is emphasizing the importance of maintaining robust vaccination programs to protect public health and ensure economic stability.