Gov. Josh Shapiro signed an executive order Wednesday to create a Pennsylvania version of a federal program providing free vaccines for children – a continuation of an effort to combat recent changes by the Trump administration’s Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The four-page document also calls for a vaccine working group to combat misinformation; directs state agencies to promote the commonwealth’s revised inoculation guidance, based on recommendations from professional medical associations; and takes action to ensure previously approved shots remain covered by insurers.
Shapiro’s order is his latest move to push back against U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a noted vaccine skeptic.
“I want trained professionals who know science to be empowered to guide you,” he said. “I do not want you to be guided by someone like RFK Jr., who I believe is wholly unqualified to give medical advice, and who is restricting our freedom here in Pennsylvania and across this country.”
The governor spoke before the signing at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, in front of a line of white-coated medical professionals. Dr. Charlotte Moser, co-director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center and one of 17 experts Kennedy fired from a vaccine advisory committee over the summer, offered remarks at the news conference.
Dr. Charlotte Moser, co-director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center, was among those fired from a CDC vaccine advisory committee.JACK TOMCZUK[/caption]
Members of that newly constituted panel, known as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, adopted new guidance for COVID-19 shots and the measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox vaccine given to children during a meeting two weeks ago.
Days later, the Shapiro administration recommended residents follow vaccination schedules developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The Pennsylvania Health Department had previously followed ACIP’s lead.
Wednesday’s order stipulates that kids who qualify for the federal Vaccines for Children program retain access to inoculations through a state-based initiative, even if ACIP removes shots currently included in the VFC.
Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen said the commonwealth’s program would be “in place” for ACIP’s next meeting, which is currently scheduled to begin Oct. 22. VFC provides inoculations at no cost for children lacking insurance coverage.
Gov. Josh Shapiro speaks before signing an executive order on vaccines Wednesday, Oct. 1, at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.JACK TOMCZUKBogen will chair a vaccine education working group composed of doctors, parents, pharmacists, public health experts, parents, community representatives and local leaders that will meet at least four times a year, according to the order. The committee will focus on improving communication strategies, officials said.
The document also asks the health department to create and maintain an online hub for vaccine information and resources. The website is already live at pa.gov/vaccines.
Another component of the order instructs various departments to promote the state’s vaccine guidance to schools, senior centers and professional licensing boards.
The commonwealth’s Human Services and Insurance departments are tasked with ensuring that all Food and Drug Administration-approved shots continue to be included under all insurance plans.
