Pennsylvania sidesteps Trump administration for vaccine guidance
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Gov. Josh Shapiro. Photo: Brian Kaiser/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Gov. Josh Shapiro is telling residents seeking vaccines to consult a state-approved list of medical organizations, not the federal government, for guidance.
Why it matters: Some states, including Pennsylvania, are making their own vaccine rules that effectively bypass Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s vaccine restrictions.
Driving the news: Shapiro's administration on Monday dropped an expanded list of medical organizations that it directs doctors and patients to follow for vaccine recommendations.
- It's a break from the state's previous policy of following recommendations from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine panel, which last week voted to limit the availability of a combined shot for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella — the virus that causes chicken pox.
- The admin also announced that all insurance companies operating in the state will continue to cover vaccines that were approved under the CDC's panel in 2024.
What they're saying: "While the federal government sows confusion, here in Pennsylvania, we are providing clear, evidence-based guidance to ensure Pennsylvanians and their doctors have trusted sources of information," Shapiro said in a statement.
The big picture: The move comes after Pennsylvania joined a coalition of northeastern states developing its own vaccine recommendations.
- The newly formed Northeast Public Health Collaborative mirrors a similar alliance among West Coast states, developed in response to what they called the politicization of the CDC.
How it works: The Northeast Collaborative will issue evidence-based public health guidance, including on vaccines and emergency preparedness, per Pennsylvania's Department of Health.
- The coalition, which was formed earlier this year, also plans to pool medical expertise and resources to focus on preparing host cities like Philly to welcome millions of visitors for next year's World Cup.
- States involved include New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Maryland, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island — all led by Democratic governors.
What they're saying: Protecting public health "has never been more important," Pennsylvania Health Secretary Debra Bogen said in a statement.
- She added that residents must be empowered to "make the best health care decisions for themselves and their families."
Catch up quick: Pennsylvania's State Board of Pharmacy had already taken steps to bypass the CDC's vaccine guidance. The board this month voted to accept vaccine guidance from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- The AAP is among the organizations that have issued recommendations that run counter to the Trump administration.
The other side: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services told the Pennsylvania Capital-Star that the state's move to sidestep CDC recommendations was in line with "failed politics of the pandemic," saying they're further fueling distrust in federal public health agencies.
Go deeper: COVID shots and pregnancy: The high cost of confusion