As Cold and Flu Season Approaches, Shapiro Administration Protects Access to COVID-19 Vaccine and Reminds Pennsylvanians to Consult Evidence-Based Guidance from Trusted Doctors[...]

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen and Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys visited See-Right Pharmacy in Harrisburg today to clear up any confusion caused by recent federal actions surrounding the safety, access, and availability of the COVID-19 vaccine in protecting Pennsylvanians during respiratory virus season.

During the event, Secretary Bogen and Commissioner Humphreys each received a COVID-19 vaccine.

"Vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu are readily available to everyone older than six months of age. The vaccines boost your body's natural defenses against these viruses," said Dr. Bogen. "As a physician, I strongly encourage all Pennsylvanians to stay up to date on their vaccinations to protect against severe illness from COVID-19, and flu before gathering with family and friends this holiday season."

Today's event marks the latest public health effort from the Shapiro Administration in continuing to take decisive action to ensure Pennsylvanians, and their doctors, have clear, evidence-based information to make informed health care decisions.

On October 1, 2025, Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2025-02, which directs state agencies to safeguard vaccine access across Pennsylvania. The order calls for the creation of a state-based vaccine safety net for children, instructs agencies to align their policies with guidance from medical experts, and launches a central vaccine portal.

The executive order also establishes a Vaccine Education Workgroup to improve communication and fight misinformation, protect Pennsylvanians of all ages, and strengthen Pennsylvania's public health leadership.

Additionally, the executive order reinforces that recommended vaccines should remain covered under private insurance and Medicaid in Pennsylvania. This step ensures that whether someone has a state or private plan, their access to immunizations is protected and consistent.

This month, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department (PID) reaffirmed its expectations for insurers to cover the COVID-19 vaccine and other important vaccines during the 2025-26 calendar years. COVID-19 vaccines and other recommended vaccines should be covered without copays, deductibles, or other costs, when administered by an in-network provider.

"Access to Covid-19 vaccines remains an effective tool to protect our communities and keep Pennsylvanians healthy," said Commissioner Humphreys. "We want Pennsylvanians to know that health insurance plans will cover the recommended vaccine at no cost, so no one should face a financial barrier to getting protected."

If any consumer has questions or issues with their insurance, such as a bill for a vaccine they should not have received, they may contact PID's Consumer Services Bureau online or by phone at 1-877-881-6388.