Health Boards and Medical Orgs Stand with Gov Shapiro to Protect Vaccine Access | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Governor Josh Shapiro is taking action to protect Pennsylvanians' access to vaccines and safeguard personal freedoms as the federal government sows confusion around vaccine recommendations. This week, Pennsylvania's State Board of Medicine, State Board of Nursing, and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine voted to formally endorse the Pennsylvania Department of Health's (DOH) new vaccine guidance, giving doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and families clear, evidence-based standards to follow.

This followed earlier action taken by the Governor to safeguard Pennsylvanians' ability to make their own health care choices, when he called earlier this month for the State Board of Pharmacy to protect COVID vaccine access for those most in need. The Shapiro Administration also issued new guidance expanding the list of trusted medical organizations that Pennsylvanians should consult for vaccine recommendations - including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

To further protect families from financial barriers, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department has confirmed that private insurers operating in the Commonwealth will continue to cover - through at least 2026 - all vaccines recommended previously by ACIP in 2024, ensuring Pennsylvanians maintain affordable access to lifesaving immunizations.

Listen to Governor Shapiro discuss his Administration's action to protect vaccine access on WILK 101.3 FM - The Morning News with Nancy & Jason:
(at 1:14:14)

"The federal government has injected through RFK Jr. and Donald Trump just like massive chaos when it comes to vaccines. Let me start by saying I think you should have the freedom to choose whatever vaccine you want, and you should be the one in consultation with your doctor deciding what are the best vaccines to provide for your children if any. I believe in that personal freedom. What they're doing at the federal level is taking away your personal freedom.

On protecting Pennsylvanians' freedoms and personal choice:
(at 1:15:05)

"I directed the Board of Pharmacy here at our Commonwealth to meet and make clear that you could follow other guidance [...] And as a result of our actions, now if you're 65 and over, you've got a pre-existing condition [...] - you can now get access at your local pharmacy to the Covid shot. It's your choice.

"The bottom line here is, I want you to have the freedom to make the decisions you want for yourself, or if you're a parent, for your children. I do not want these conspiracy theorist dictating your health care. This is a personal matter that you and your doctor, you and your pharmacist, can work through now because of the changes we made in Pennsylvania, you have the freedom to do so."

On supporting doctors, nurses, and health care providers and parents, families, and children:
(at 1:16:22)

"I directed our Board of Pharmacy to meet, I directed our Department of Health to put out actual guidance that's based on science and facts.

"And I also think that personal freedom is something that this government in Washington doesn't value. I think we need more personal freedom not to have it restricted. So I want - and I've directed our health boards to do this - I want parents and individuals to be able to work directly with their doctors and to be able to trust science and get actual facts, not the kind of nonsense we're hearing from RFK Jr."

"I hear from people from all different walks of life, from all different parties, expressing real concern about this. Parents stressing about what is safe for their kids or what's safe for themselves, and looking to find answers from people that offer actual scientific background and actual knowledge in this space."

What people are saying about Governor Shapiro's action to protect vaccine access:

DOH Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen: "As a pediatrician, I provided medical care to infants and children with what are now vaccine-preventable diseases - some of whom were extremely ill and had to be hospitalized. Over my career, I saw firsthand how vaccines changed medical practice, reduced pain and suffering, and saved countless lives. By providing clear, evidence-based recommendations, outlined in our new vaccine guidance and supported by the State Boards of Medicine, Nursing, and Osteopathic Medicine, we are helping to keep vaccines accessible and protecting the health of Pennsylvanians of all ages."

Dr. Michael R. Ripchinski, Vice Chair, State Board of Medicine: "As a practicing family physician in the Commonwealth for over two decades, I believe immunizations are essential to protecting both individuals and communities across the entire state. Consistent, transparent guidance strengthens patients' confidence and ensures safe and effective vaccination practices across the Commonwealth."

Dr. Toni Richards-Rowley, Vice President, Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics: "The American Academy of Pediatrics believes it is essential that every child in Pennsylvania continues to have access to lifesaving vaccines. The recent actions taken by the Board of Medicine and the Board of Osteopathic Medicine to support the Department of Health's new guidance represent an important and responsible step forward."

Victoria E. Elliott, CEO, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association: "The Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association commends the State Board of Pharmacy on their decision to authorize additional competent authority treatment guidelines for injectable immunizations, removing potential barriers to vaccine access as we continue to navigate the uncertainty of vaccine guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. Pharmacists are now once again positioned to serve Pennsylvania patients and families who count on the convenience of pharmacy-based vaccines. Thank you to the Shapiro Administration staff for your prompt response to our concerns and urging immediate action on this issue."

Heather Beauparlant, President, Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians: "As family doctors, we believe expanding options for patients and their physicians empowers them to make more informed health care decisions. With COVID and flu season upon us, the Board's decision puts patients first by allowing them to make the healthiest choices for themselves, their families, and communities."

Sid Tenneti, Senior Vice President, Retail Pharmacy, CVS Health: "Following today's regulatory action by the Pennsylvania Board of Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy will ensure COVID-19 vaccinations are available as soon as possible at our locations throughout Pennsylvania. Appointments can be scheduled online via CVS.com, through the CVS Health app, or patients can walk into our pharmacies and clinics."

What Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about Governor Shapiro's leadership on vaccine access:

Tri State Alert: PA House Reps look to codify Shapiro's efforts to allow pharmacists to skirt CDC vaccine recommendations, hear from other health orgs

Reading Eagle: Shapiro administration offers clarity on vaccines

New Castle News: Shapiro administration turns to physician groups to protect vaccine guidance

Spotlight PA: The broader COVID vaccine recommendations embraced by Pa., and how they conflict with federal guidelines

Philly Voice: Pennsylvanians should consult these medical organizations for vaccine advice - not the CDC, Gov. Shapiro says

Trib Live: Pa., wary of federal guidance, turns to medical groups for vaccine advice

Axios: Pennsylvania sidesteps Trump administration for vaccine guidance

WESA: Shapiro directs Pa. health insurers to disregard new recommendations from CDC vaccine panel

Indiana Gazette: Shapiro challenges CDC actions, promotes 'Lightning Plan' for PJM states

Metro Philadelphia: Shapiro tells Pennsylvanians to follow doctors, not CDC, for vaccine guidance

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Shapiro administration releases vaccine guidance, breaking from federal 'confusion'

Penn Live: Josh Shapiro blasts RFK Jr., federal health officials; vows to protect vaccine access in Pa.

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: Pa. joins six other states in forming a regional health coalition

Fox 29: Gov. Shapiro urges CDC to protect vaccine access in Pennsylvania

WESA: Amid CDC turmoil, Pennsylvania joins Northeastern states in regional public health coalition

Stateline: States break with FDA restrictions on COVID vaccines, ensuring broader access

Pittsburgh Post Gazette: What to know about accessing the new COVID vaccine in Pa.

WFMJ: Pharmacy board restores access to COVID vaccines in Pennsylvania

Infectious Disease Special Edition: More States Establish Their Own Vaccine Policies as RFK Jr. Continues Anti-Vaccine Push

FOX43: Shapiro, pharmacy board act to safeguard COVID vaccines in Pennsylvania

Erie Times News: Pennsylvania pharmacy board acts to protect COVID shot access amid federal uncertainty

WGAL: Pharmacies in PA can now start distributing COVID vaccines without prescriptions

Philadelphia Inquirer: Pennsylvania allows leading medical societies to guide vaccine access as new federal restrictions create confusion

ABC 27: Governor: CVS to resume administering COVID shots ASAP

Pennsylvania Capital Star: Pa. Board of Pharmacy votes to use vaccine guidelines from non-government groups

WHYY: Pennsylvania lawmakers grapple with how to handle demand for data centers

WESA: Pennsylvania pharmacy regulators vote to expand COVID-19 vaccine access

Penn Live: Pa. pharmacies to provide COVID shots for those eligible after board acts to protect access to vaccine

Trib Live: No prescription? No problem: Pa. clears a barrier to covid vaccines

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