Shapiro-Davis administration urges Pennsylvanians to follow state vaccine guidance

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen, and Insurance Commissioner Michael Humphreys visited River Valley Health in Williamsport to promote annual flu vaccinations as the respiratory virus season begins.

The visit comes amid concerns that federal guidance on vaccines has led to confusion. In response, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has moved to clarify vaccine recommendations within Pennsylvania. Last week, the State Board of Medicine, State Board of Nursing, and State Board of Osteopathic Medicine formally endorsed new guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This endorsement aims to provide clear standards for healthcare providers and families.

"As a father, son, and husband, I view it as my responsibility to get vaccinated, so I can keep myself and my family healthy and protected from the flu, which puts hundreds of thousands of Americans in the hospital every year," said Lt. Governor Davis during his visit. "Newborns and infants are incredibly vulnerable to the flu, so it's important to keep levels low in our communities to protect our youngest Pennsylvanians."

Other speakers at the event included Max Houseknecht Jr., CEO of River Valley Health; Derek Slaughter, mayor of Williamsport; Christine Kavanaugh, pediatric medical provider at River Valley Health; Dr. Debra Bogen; and Michael Humphreys.