When federal health policy takes a step back, Massachusetts is proving it’s ready to move forward.
Recent federal actions have created real uncertainty for families and providers. On the one hand, Washington D.C. narrowed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations – limiting eligibility for the updated shots to people 65 and older or those with certain health conditions and removing routine boosters from the schedule for healthy children and pregnant women. At the same time, the administration cut billions in funding for childhood immunization programs nationwide, forcing local clinics to scale back services and leaving pharmacies, pediatric practices, and patients facing confusion.
In response, on September 4th, Governor Maura Healey announced decisive state action to ensure vaccines remain within reach for everyone, especially children.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) can now authorize COVID-19 boosters for anyone age 5 and up, available at all pharmacies. Health insurers must also cover all vaccines recommended by DPH, even if the CDC changes course. This makes Massachusetts one of the first states in the country to take this kind of bold step on insurance coverage. And it’s not just symbolic – Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans are already on board. Governor Healey summed it up clearly: “When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up.”
The new rules aren’t only about COVID-19 vaccines. They also safeguard routine childhood immunizations – measles, chickenpox, Hepatitis B, and more – ensuring families don’t face gaps in coverage. The timing is critical. Massachusetts is pushing back against a proposed $19 million federal cut to childhood vaccination programs.
Governor Healey is also looking beyond state borders. Massachusetts is in discussion with other New England and Northeastern states about joining forces to strengthen our public health infrastructure. The coalition would share disease surveillance data, coordinate emergency preparedness, support public health labs, and provide independent, science-based vaccine guidance. This regional collaboration would build a sturdier safety net – one less vulnerable to sudden federal shifts.
Working with diverse communities every day, I see how much it matters to have clear and steady guidance on vaccines. These steps from Massachusetts don’t just back up what science already tells us – that vaccines save lives – they also show government and health science leaders standing side by side with one voice. Clear and consistent leadership helps communities feel confident in protecting themselves and their families – and that trust is just as important as the shots themselves. At the end of the day, vaccines are about more than medicine; they’re about trust, protection, and making sure our communities can thrive. At a time when much of the country has drifted away from trusting science, Massachusetts is showing what it looks like to bring science and leadership back together to protect health and rebuild confidence.
Jamila Xible is the Director of Community Engagement at Health Care For All
