Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine Vote in Support of Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Guidance on Immunizations

On Wednesday, September 24, 2025, the Pennsylvania Boards of Medicine and Osteopathic Medicine (collectively, “Boards”) voted in support of the issuance of guidance on immunizations by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). DOH recommends that Pennsylvanians follow the most recent immunization recommendations issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). On its website, the DOH states that it “endorses these evidence-based immunization schedules and recommendations and encourages all Pennsylvanians to follow the guidance of these trusted medical organizations.”

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is a federal committee that develops recommendations on the use of vaccines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers ACIP recommendations when setting U.S. adult and childhood immunization schedules. In Pennsylvania, DOH plays a key role in setting the immunization schedules and sharing guidance on the use of vaccines. The Boards support DOH’s guidance on this topic which is a vital part of public health and disease prevention.

Both Boards posted letters on their websites to reflect the decision to support the recommendation made by DOH.

For more information on DOH’s recommendation and immunization schedules, please refer to the following resources:

• General Immunization Guidance | Department of Health | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Board of Osteopathic Medicine Letter of Support for the Issuance of Guidance by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDF)
• State Board of Medicine Letter of Support for the Issuance of Guidance by the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PDF)