In October, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2025-02 to safeguard vaccine access for Pennsylvanians and address any confusion caused by recent federal actions regarding vaccine safety and availability — and health care providers, especially pediatricians, are voicing their support for the Governor’s efforts to safeguard vaccine access. 

The Executive Order directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDH) to establish a state-based safety net to protect children’s vaccine access and ensures all state agencies align policies with trusted medical experts, including:

• Launching a central online vaccine portal
• Creating a Vaccine Education Workgroup to strengthen public communication and combat misinformation
• Ensuring continued coverage of recommended vaccines for all Pennsylvanians through Medicaid and private insurance
• Directing the Departments of Aging and Education to support older adults and schools in following evidence-based vaccine guidance

To those ends, watch Geisinger Women and Children’s Institute Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Frank Maffei and watch St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children Chair of Pediatrics Dr. Renee Turchi discuss why protecting vaccine access is critical for Pennsylvania children.