Copyright Mechanicsburg Patriot News
I am writing to commend Gov. Josh Shapiro for his recent executive order aimed at protecting vaccine access and coverage in Pennsylvania and combating vaccine misinformation, as reported by PennLive on Oct. 1, 2025. As a Registered Nurse and a Millersville University Wehrheim School of Nursing student, I have witnessed first hand the devastating consequences of vaccine-preventable diseases and the dangerous impact of misinformation on public health. The PennLive article highlights Governor Shapiro’s commitment to ensuring that Pennsylvanians have access to accurate information about vaccines and that insurance coverage for these life-saving interventions is protected. This is a crucial step in safeguarding our community’s health and wellbeing. Vaccine misinformation has fueled a decline in vaccination rates, leading to outbreaks of preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough) (CDC, 2023). These outbreaks not only endanger the health of unvaccinated individuals but pose a threat to vulnerable populations, including infants, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. By combating misinformation, Gov. Shapiro’s executive order will help to ensure that Pennsylvanians have the information they need to make informed decisions about their health and the health of their families. Protecting insurance coverage for vaccines is essential to ensure all Pennsylvanians, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to these life-saving interventions. Vaccines are a cost-effective way to prevent disease and improve public health. Denying access to vaccines based on cost, is not only unethical but economically unsound. I urge all Pennsylvanians to support Gov. Shapiro’s efforts to protect vaccine access and combat misinformation. Let us work together to ensure all members of our community have the opportunity to live healthy and productive lives.
