Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks 

Healey Administration takes first-of-its-kind action to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of immediate measures to ensure that vaccines remain available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, while President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restrict access to vaccines and make cuts to public health across the country. 

“Massachusetts has the best health care in the world,” said Governor Healey. “We won’t let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts.” 

Today, the Governor announced three steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts. 

First, at Governor Healey’s direction, the Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans all support this action. This will ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations. These include respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. This action follows legislation filed by Governor Healey last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations. 

“We are so fortunate to live in Massachusetts where we prioritize science and support patients,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “With Governor Healey's leadership and collaboration between DPH and DOI, those who want to get vaccinated will be able to without added cost or confusion because of decisions made at the federal level.” 

“As an infectious disease physician, I have seen the extraordinary impact vaccines have had in saving lives and preventing serious illness. Limiting access to vaccines is not just shortsighted – it is reckless,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Massachusetts will not allow ideology to override evidence. We must continue to be guided by science and data. And we must do what is right, even when it is hard, because protecting public health is not optional, it is a responsibility – a promise – we make to every resident of our Commonwealth. Today we are keeping that promise.” 

“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one and their insurance will cover it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Our collective commitment – state government working with our health insurance companies – is important as we enter the fall season.” 

Second, Governor Healey’s administration has also taken steps to ensure that Massachusetts residents who want to receive the COVID vaccine can do so at pharmacies. Last week, it was reported that CVS and Walgreens could not offer the COVID vaccine in multiple states, including Massachusetts, because the federal government was no longer recommending it for adults. In response, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician. Additionally, this morning, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them only to vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. 

Third, under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is also leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs.