The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) is urging Pennsylvanians to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations following the deaths of two Lancaster County residents from measles, the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health reports that both individuals were unvaccinated. The state has confirmed nearly 400 measles cases this year, including 185 in Lancaster County and 41 in Chester County. The Department of Health has administered more than 3,600 measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations through 85 pop-up clinics this year.

“Two Pennsylvanians have now lost their lives to a disease that vaccination can prevent,” said Andrew Lutzkanin, MD, president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians. “This is a painful reminder that vaccines are not simply a recommendation on a schedule—they are one of the most effective tools we have to prevent serious illness, protect our families, and keep our communities healthy. We encourage every Pennsylvanian to talk with their family physician about which vaccines they need.”

The PAFP joins the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) in emphasizing that vaccination is an essential tool for preventing serious illness and death. AAFP has urged patients to work with their family physicians and make vaccination decisions based on trusted, evidence-based medical guidance.

Family physicians are working to ensure Pennsylvania patients have access to trusted vaccine guidance.

The PAFP was actively involved in the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy’s 2025 decision to recognize the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) as a competent authority for immunization guidelines. The board unanimously approved AAFP, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as competent authorities under Pennsylvania pharmacy regulations. This allows authorized pharmacists and pharmacy interns to administer immunizations in accordance with physician treatment guidelines and the guidelines of those organizations, in addition to existing CDC/ACIP guidance.

“Pennsylvania patients deserve access to vaccine recommendations grounded in science, clinical expertise and the experience of physicians who care for patients throughout their lives,” said Heather Beauparlant, DO, PAFP board chair. “As family physicians, we have a responsibility to make sure our patients have accurate information and access to the vaccines that protect them from preventable disease. The recent measles deaths make that responsibility even more urgent.”

In addition to participating in the State Board of Pharmacy meeting that led to the board’s decision regarding immunization guidelines, Beauparlant serves on the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s vaccine workgroup.

The PAFP also supports legislative efforts to protect access to vaccines through health insurance coverage. House Bill 1828, sponsored by Rep. Arvind Venkat, would establish requirements for immunization coverage and allow the Pennsylvania Department of Health to consider recommendations from trusted medical organizations, including AAFP, when determining coverage. The legislation passed the Pennsylvania House in October 2025 and is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate.

The PAFP encourages Pennsylvanians to review their vaccination status with their family physician, particularly as children return to school and families prepare for the fall and winter respiratory illness season.

“Family physicians are here to answer questions, address concerns and help patients make informed decisions about their health,” Lutzkanin said. “We should not wait until a preventable disease is in our community to recognize the value of prevention.”

The Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians and its foundation support its 5,500-plus members through advocacy and education to ensure physician-coordinated, personalized and comprehensive quality health care for every Pennsylvanian. Learn more at www.pafp.com.