Shapiro Signs Vaccine Executive Order at CHOP

Executive order outlines six steps to protect access in Pa.

October 01, 2025

Governor Shapiro signed an executive order Wednesday that aims to protect access to vaccines in Pennsylvania.

During an event this afternoon at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the governor joined hospital leaders and other state officials to discuss vaccine access and efforts to address recent confusion around federal guidance.

The executive order outlines six steps for agencies to improve access to vaccines:

• The creation of a Pennsylvania-based program similar to the federal Vaccines for Children Program to protect free access to pediatric vaccines.
• Aligning Pennsylvania’s vaccine guidance and regulations with the nation’s leading medical associations.
• Creating a central hub for vaccine information.
• Ensuring all FDA vaccines remain covered by Medicaid and private insurance in Pennsylvania.
• A campaign to communicate updated guidance to the schools, senior centers, and professional licensing boards.
• The creation of a new working group of public health leaders, pediatricians and health care providers, community stakeholders, and others to provide input and recommendations on protecting vaccine access and promoting uptake.

“I think we need to have clear and accurate information and fact-based recommendations coming from doctors in Pennsylvania,” Shapiro said.

HAP and Pennsylvania’s hospital community look forward to supporting access to vaccines across Pennsylvania. Additional information about today's event is available online.