Author: Kate Smith

Locating the Best Science-Based Vaccine Recommendations

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Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia In June 2025, the composition of the committee that makes vaccine recommendations to the CDC, known as the ACIP, was dramatically changed, as were the processes by which these recommendations were made historically. The result has been recommendations not supported by the body of scientific evidence. The January 2025 immunization schedules are the last schedules available reflecting changes made using the Evidence to Recommendations (EtR) framework, long regarded as a comprehensive and rational methodology for creating immunization recommendations. The result has been a divergence of vaccine recommendations by professional societies composed of clinicians from those made Read More …

AHIP, Major Insurers Commit to Cover Vaccines

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Health plans are required to cover vaccines, without cost-sharing, that are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which is in line with federal requirements as part of the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation Reduction Act.  “Health plans are committed to maintaining and ensuring affordable access to vaccines. Health plan coverage decisions for immunizations are grounded in each plan’s ongoing, rigorous review of scientific and clinical evidence, and continual evaluation of multiple sources of data,” AHIP said in a statement issued Tuesday. AHIP said its plans will continue to cover all vaccines Read More …

Meyer, DPH Standing Order to Protect Vaccine Access

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On Wednesday, September 10, Governor Matt Meyer and the Delaware Division of Public Health issued a standing order on COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and are calling on the Board of Pharmacy to convene an emergency meeting to protect vaccine access. “Vaccines save lives. Science, not politics, will guide how we keep our communities safe,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “With this standing order and our partnership with neighboring states, we are taking control of our future, ensuring that every Delawarean has access to the protection they need.” The standing order refers to recommendations from other relevant professional organizations to determine eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine. Read More …

Vaccine Insurance Coverage in Delaware

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In the wake of federal changes, Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro and the Delaware Department of Insurance wish to inform residents about carrier’s intentions regarding insurance coverage for immunizations. “Vaccines save lives,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro. “They save money, preventing costly diseases and conditions, keeping insurance and care affordable. They save health care capacity, a critical resource to retain as we face provider shortages. But again, and most importantly: they save lives.” “Residents are reaching out, concerned that they will lose coverage for and access to the immunizations we rely on to keep our communities healthy. I am proud to share Read More …

AAFP Breaks with Federal Policy on COVID Vaccines

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The American Academy of Family Physicians said on Monday (9/8) that it recommends all adults over the age of 18, children, and pregnant women receive COVID-19 vaccines, a contrast to the US government’s narrowed approvals. See recommendations here. Its suggested immunizations for COVID are in line with the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations last month.

Delaware Joins Northeastern States in Regional Public Health Coalition

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DOVER, Del. (Sept. 5, 2025) – Governor Matt Meyer announced Delaware is joining other Northeast states in a regional public health coalition on Friday. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs. “Science must continue to determine how we keep our state healthy, and that science says vaccines save lives and protect our communities,” said Governor Matt Meyer. “We’re proud to join this regional public health collaborative to make sure science leads the development of all healthcare policy, so that every Delawarean can access safe public spaces, and Read More …

Locating the Latest Science-Based Vaccine Recommendations

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A new page on from the Vaccine Education Center will gather statements from different organizations related to vaccine recommendations. The January 2025 immunization schedules are the last schedules available reflecting changes made using the Evidence to Recommendations (EtR) framework. The result has been vaccine recommendations from professional societies (AAP, ACOG) that diverge from those made by federal officials and the CDC. To help clinicians in staying on top of the latest science-based recommendations, the VEC has developed a webpage that will be updated as recommendations change or as new statements become available. View the Website

KFF: As Measles Exploded, Officials in Texas Looked to CDC Scientists.

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Amy Maxmen, August 25, 2025. As measles surged in Texas early this year, the Trump administration’s actions sowed fear and confusion among CDC scientists that kept them from performing the agency’s most critical function — emergency response — when it mattered most, an investigation from KFF Health News shows. The report details multiple crises, both in Texas, where health facilities became overwhelmed and misinformation surged, all while federal health agencies faced communications crackdowns, stalled reports, and staff and budget cuts. Texas officials only heard from the CDC after a child died on February 26, meanwhile the outbreaks spread to five Read More …

Texas Announces End of West Texas Measles Outbreak

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The Texas Department of State Health Services is reporting the end of this year’s measles outbreak centered in West Texas. It has been more than 42 days since a new case was reported in any of the counties that previously showed evidence of ongoing transmission. DSHS will continue to monitor for new cases but will cease updating the interactive outbreak dashboard. Read more

Back to School Routine Immunization

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Vaccinate Your Family’s Back-To-School Routine Immunization Campaign As students get ready to head back to school, the #FirstDayVax campaign is a critical reminder that vaccines belong on the back-to-school checklist too. Vaccines protect kids and communities from serious, preventable diseases like measles, whooping cough, and meningitis. This campaign highlights our gratitude for the protection vaccines offer, reflections on a time when these diseases were more common and education for parents to make informed, timely decisions. Join us in spreading the word about the importance of back-to-school immunization. Together, let’s build healthier communities where every child can thrive. Explore graphics and Read More …