Additional Coverage:
Western States Break with CDC on Vaccine Guidelines
California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii have issued their own guidance on COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines, diverging from the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The governors of these states, forming the West Coast Health Alliance, stated their intent to counter what they describe as politically motivated changes to established vaccine policy under the current administration.
The alliance specifically calls out Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent actions at the CDC, including replacing members of the vaccine recommendations committee. They argue these changes undermine the agency’s scientific integrity and erode public trust.
Their recommendations advise COVID-19 vaccination for anyone seeking protection, specifically highlighting children aged 6-23 months, adults over 65, those with underlying health conditions, and pregnant or soon-to-be pregnant individuals. These recommendations largely align with previous CDC guidance before recent changes.
The U.S. Health and Human Services Department criticized the alliance’s move, accusing the states of having damaged public trust in health agencies during the pandemic. They maintain their commitment to evidence-based policy.
In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, the alliance recommends flu shots for everyone 6 months and older, and RSV vaccines for infants, at-risk individuals aged 50-74, and everyone 75 and older.
California Governor Gavin Newsom also signed a new law allowing the state to follow independent medical organizations for immunization guidance, rather than the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. This will impact which vaccines are covered by health insurance within the state.
These developments coincide with former CDC Director Susan Monarez’s testimony to a Senate committee, alleging she was fired for resisting political interference in vaccine policy. Several other states have also diverged from the CDC’s vaccine guidelines, while Florida recently announced it would eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates.