Governors Public Health Alliance Denounces Changes to Childhood Vaccination Recommendations
This afternoon, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced major changes to the recommendations for childhood vaccinations without any evidence or science.
In response, Angela Botticella, Managing Director for the Governors Public Health Alliance – an alliance of 15 governors working together to protect public health – released the following statement:
“These changes to the federal childhood vaccination schedule create unnecessary confusion for parents, clinicians, schools, and the state systems responsible for protecting the health of their residents and put children and communities at renewed risk from diseases that were once largely eliminated through routine vaccination. PHA will continue to support Governors on the front lines of public health to reinforce evidence-based guidance, support providers and schools, and ensure families continue to have clear, reliable information they can trust.”
In addition, former CDC Director and advisor to the Governors Public Health Alliance Dr. Mandy Cohen said:
“The HHS change in vaccine recommendations creates confusion and introduces unnecessary barriers for families who want to protect their children from serious illness. When guidance shifts unilaterally without a public process to weigh the risks and benefits, it undermines confidence and can lead to lower vaccination rates and increases in preventable illness. It’s critical that governors continue to step up to do everything they can to protect families and communities in the face of this shifting federal landscape.”
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About GovAct
Governors Action Alliance (GovAct) is a nonprofit nonpartisan initiative that helps governors work across state lines to champion fundamental freedoms and improve people’s lives. GovAct serves as a centralized platform for collaboration across governors’ offices—incubating, launching, and supporting alliances of governors. These alliances share cutting-edge policy and legal approaches to some of the most challenging and critical issues we face. To learn more, go to www.GovActAlliance.org.
About the Governors Public Health Alliance
The Governors Public Health Alliance (PHA) is a nonpartisan coalition of governors working together to strengthen public health systems, protect access to evidence-based care, and coordinate responses to health threats across state lines. Supported by GovAct, the Alliance brings together governors and senior state officials to share best practices, reinforce scientific integrity, and ensure communities receive clear, credible health information.