State agencies will also maintain a new centralized vaccine information hub intended to be a one-stop-shop for guidance on currently available shots, recommendations from leading medical associations and societies and insurance questions.

Private health insurers will continue to cover currently available vaccines to the same degree they covered them in 2024, at least through the end of 2026, officials said.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Department of Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen take questions after a press conference at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Shapiro signed an executive order aimed at expanding and preserving access in the state. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

The executive order is in effect indefinitely or “until amended or rescinded by the Governor.”

Pennsylvania announced last month that it would coordinate vaccine guidance and practices with neighboring states by joining the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a regional coalition focused on public health decisions and initiatives.

Doctors, nurses and health workers at CHOP joined in on the support for the new statewide efforts to promote the benefits of vaccines.

Dr. Charlotte Moser, co-director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center, was among a group of experts who served as members of the CDC immunization advisory panel before Kennedy fired them earlier this year.

“The pathogens that cause infectious diseases are an enemy that doesn’t care about our politics, our beliefs, our fears or even state lines,” she said. “We stand at the ready to help fortify the commonwealth’s access to vaccines that protect our children, our families and our communities.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro introduces Dr. Charlotte Moser, co-director of CHOP’s Vaccine Education Center. (Emma Lee/WHYY)

Lawmakers in Harrisburg are pursuing bills related to who can administer vaccines and how they will be covered by insurance. State Rep. Tarik Khan, a family nurse practitioner and a Democrat who represents part of Philadelphia, is among the bills’ supporters.

“Both of our bills would sort of codify that, number one, insurance companies would have to pay for vaccines that are effective, and two, pharmacists are able to prescribe vaccines that we know are safe and effective so that people can make the choice,” he said.

Legislation has been referred to House and Senate committees.