ARH reaffirms childhood vaccine support for Perry County families

Appalachian Regional Healthcare issued a system-wide statement on January 9 that it will continue to support childhood immunization and keep vaccines available for patients who request them. The release emphasized patient-centered care and the physician-patient relationship, and was attributed to Maria Braman, MD, MBA, chief medical officer for ARH.

The announcement matters locally because Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center is part of ARH’s Kentucky River Region and is the primary hospital system serving Perry County residents. System-level guidance from ARH shapes the services, availability, and public messaging Perry County families receive from their clinicians and local clinics.

ARH said its clinical standards and support for childhood immunization remain unchanged, and that providers will continue to share up-to-date information so families can make informed healthcare decisions. The statement came after recent changes to childhood vaccination recommendations nationally that have generated questions among parents and caregivers. By restating vaccine availability and a commitment to clinician-led discussions, ARH aimed to reduce confusion and signal continuity of care within its hospitals and outpatient clinics.

For public health, consistent local messaging from the main hospital system is significant. Continuity in vaccine access helps maintain routine immunization schedules that protect infants and school-age children and reduce the risk of outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases. In Perry County, where distance, work schedules, and limited clinic options already shape how families seek care, clear communication from Hazard ARH and area clinicians can influence whether children stay up to date on recommended vaccines.

The release also highlights the role health systems play in translating broader policy shifts into day-to-day practice. Decisions about which vaccines are offered at which sites, how clinicians discuss changes with families, and how to document or defer vaccinations are often implemented at the system level. That makes ARH’s guidance a practical pivot point for parents trying to navigate new recommendations while managing transportation, school requirements, and work obligations.

Equity considerations are central. Rural families and those with limited resources can be disproportionately affected by changes in clinical guidance and by mixed messages. A clear, clinician-driven approach that reinforces access and informed consent can help mitigate disparities in vaccination coverage across Perry County communities.

The takeaway? If you have questions about your child’s immunizations, contact your pediatrician or Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center to confirm availability and talk through the latest recommendations with your clinician. Keep your child’s vaccine records handy and ask for clarification if anything sounds unclear. Our two cents? A calm conversation with a trusted provider goes further than speculation—bring your questions and get the facts for your family.