ICYMI: Gov Shapiro Signs EO 2025-02 Vaccine Access Protect Pennsylvanians | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2025-02 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to protect Pennsylvanians' access to vaccines and safeguard families' freedom to make their own health care decisions.

As the federal government sows confusion around vaccine recommendations, the Governor is taking decisive action to ensure Pennsylvanians continue to have access to safe, effective, and evidence-based care.

The Executive Order:

• Creates a state-based safety net to protect children's access to vaccines
• Requires state agencies to align with trusted medical experts
• Launches a central online vaccine portal: pa.gov/vaccines
• Establishes a Vaccine Education Workgroup to strengthen communication and combat misinformation
• Ensures coverage of recommended vaccines through Medicaid and private insurance
• Directs the Departments of Aging and Education to ensure older adults and schools have access to evidence-based guidance

Read more about Executive Order 2025-02, Protecting Pennsylvanians' Health and Freedom by Ensuring Access to Safe and Effective Vaccines.

What people are saying about Governor Shapiro's Executive Order to Protect Vaccine Access:

DOH Secretary Dr. Bogen: "I applaud Governor Shapiro for taking decisive action with this executive order to help ensure that all children in Pennsylvania can get the vaccines they need to prevent diseases, while giving health care providers and families the reliable, evidence-based information they rely on to make informed decisions. Over more than three decades as a pediatrician, I have seen vaccines prevent diseases and keep people healthy so they can attend childcare, school and work. The Department will work quickly to implement this Executive Order and further ensure Pennsylvanians have the knowledge and freedom to make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families."

CHOP CEO Madeline Bell: "Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect children's health. CHOP has long been a leader in vaccine development and education, providing trusted information through our Vaccine Education Center to families and physicians worldwide. We are pleased that Governor Shapiro shares our commitment to helping families learn more about vaccine safety and access, and am grateful to him for everything he is doing to support pediatric healthcare."

Charlotte Moser, Co-Director of CHOP's Vaccine Education Center: "The potential benefits from vaccines have only grown over time, and CHOP and the Commonwealth have continued to lead the way. The pathogens that cause infectious diseases are an enemy that doesn't care about our politics, our beliefs, our fears, or even state lines. We stand at the ready to help fortify the Commonwealth's access to vaccines that protect our children, our families, and our communities."

Diana Montoya-Williams, MD, Neonatologist, CHOP: "I am profoundly grateful that here in Pennsylvania, we have made it clear that we will help families like mine keep our children safe. Vaccines are one of modern medicine's greatest miracles. They are love made visible in a bottle. They are hope for healthy futures."

What people are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro's Executive Order to Protect Vaccine Access:

Philadelphia Inquirer: Shapiro visits CHOP to sign an executive order protecting access to vaccines

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Dismissing 'conspiracy theories,' Shapiro signs order to provide free vaccines to 1.5 million Pa. children

WHYY: Pennsylvania governor announces new vaccine safeguards, expanded access to shots in executive order

Penn Live: Gov. Shapiro signs order to protect vaccine access, coverage in Pa. and combat misinformation

Fox 43: Shapiro signs executive order to safeguard vaccine access in Pennsylvania

Metro Philadelphia: Amid Trump-era changes, Shapiro signs vaccine order at CHOP

CBS News Philadelphia: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signs order aimed at protecting vaccine access in state

NBC 10: Pa. Gov. Shapiro signs executive order to protect vaccine access

ABC 27: Governor Shapiro signs executive order safeguarding vaccine access in Pennsylvania

Fox 43: Shapiro signs executive order to safeguard vaccine access in Pennsylvania

Governor Shapiro is cutting through federal chaos and aligning Pennsylvania's health providers, insurers, and schools around clear, consistent, and science-based standards. The Executive Order ensures that every Pennsylvanian has access to safe, effective vaccines and the freedom to make informed health care decisions with their doctors - not politicians.

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