Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has committed to maintaining vaccine access in the state. Ahead of a federal ACIP meeting that could affect infant hepatitis B and childhood immunization recommendations, Healey and Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein emphasized the importance of safeguarding childhood vaccinations.
Governor Healey said, “Vaccines are safe, effective and lifesaving. No matter what President Trump and Secretary Kennedy do in Washington, we are going to make sure that Massachusetts residents have access to the vaccines they want and need to keep them and their families healthy, especially our children.” Healey has also signed legislation allowing the DPH to issue vaccine recommendations based on scientific data, as reported by Mass.gov.
Dr. Robbie Goldstein warned against reversing public health progress, saying, “Our job is to follow the data – and the data here are beyond reproach.” He noted that the hepatitis B vaccine has reduced pediatric infection rates by 99% nationwide over the past three decades, according to Mass.gov.
The stakes are particularly high for newborns who risk contracting hepatitis B, a potentially lifelong and deadly virus, from infected mothers during birth. It's not just about fighting infections; it's about trust. Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah told Mass.gov, "A healthy, thriving Massachusetts must be built on trust – trust in science, trust in our health care system, and trust that our state will always safeguard the well-being of its residents."
More than 100 attendees at the forum shared insights to guide the DPH’s future strategies, including supporting providers, strengthening community outreach, and providing clear, science-based vaccine information. Massachusetts aims to protect the health of its residents, especially the youngest and most vulnerable.
