October 01, 2025 - Philadelphia, PA
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2025-02 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to safeguard vaccine access for Pennsylvanians and protect families' freedom to make their own health care decisions. The Governor delivered remarks and was joined by Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, CHOP CEO Madeline Bell, CHOP President Dr. Joseph Mitchell, Co-Director of CHOP's Vaccine Education Center Charlotte Moser, and other advocates, clinicians, and health care professionals for the announcement.The Executive Order directs the Pennsylvania Department of Health to establish a state-based safety net to protect children's access to vaccines, requires all state agencies to align policies with trusted medical experts, launches a central online vaccine portal, and creates a Vaccine Education Workgroup to strengthen public communication and combat misinformation. It also ensures continued coverage of recommended vaccines for all Pennsylvanians through Medicaid and private insurance, and directs the Department of Aging and the Department of Education to support older adults and schools in following evidence-based guidance."As the federal government continues to create chaos and confusion, my Administration is stepping up to preserve access to vaccines, provide Pennsylvanians with clear, evidence-based guidance, and protect the freedom to make decisions over your own health care," said Governor Shapiro. "As a dad to four kids, I want the best, most accurate information to inform the decisions we make for our kids and freedom to make decisions that are best for them, in consultation with our doctors. I believe every Pennsylvanian deserves the same and this Executive Order directs Commonwealth agencies to take immediate action to ensure families can still get their kids vaccinated, seniors can stay protected as they age, and science and facts - not politics - guide health care decisions here in Pennsylvania."List of Speakers:CHOP CEO Madeline BellGovernor Josh ShapiroPennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen Co-Director of CHOP's Vaccine Education Center Charlotte MoserDiana Montoya-Williams, MD, Neonatologist, CHOP
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