NEWS RELEASE – January 9, 2026
ARH Statements Concerning Change to Childhood Vaccination Recommendations
LEXINGTON, Ky. – At Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), we build our care on strong, trusted relationships between patients and their providers. We believe that when patients are informed, they make the best choices. Our providers will continue to share the latest information to help patients make the healthcare decisions that are right for them and their families.
This approach reflects ARH’s ongoing commitment to patient-centered care and collaborative decision-making.
ARH’s clinical standards, support for childhood immunization, and vaccine availability remain unchanged. Vaccines continue to be available for patients who request them.
– Maria Braman, MD, MBA, Chief Medical Officer, Appalachian Regional Healthcare
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Appalachian Regional Healthcare (ARH), is a not-for-profit health system operating 14 hospitals in Barbourville, Hazard, Harlan, Hyden, Martin, McDowell, Middlesboro, Paintsville, Prestonsburg, West Liberty, Whitesburg, and South Williamson in Kentucky and Beckley and Hinton in West Virginia, as well as multi-specialty physician practices, home health agencies, home medical equipment stores and retail pharmacies and medical spas. ARH employs approximately 6,700 people with an annual payroll and benefits of $474 million generated into our local economies. ARH also has a network of more than 1,300 providers on staff across its multi-state system. ARH is the largest provider of care and the single largest employer in southeastern Kentucky, and the third-largest private employer in southern West Virginia.