West Coast States Forge Independent Vaccine Policies Citing CDC Politicization

California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii have formed the West Coast Health Alliance to provide unified, science-based vaccine recommendations amid federal rollback of COVID-19 vaccine guidance under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These states recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all individuals six months and older who want protection, diverging from the CDC and FDA's more restrictive guidelines, which limit eligibility mainly to seniors and those with health conditions. California has enacted AB 144, a law allowing the state to set its own immunization schedules independent of federal recommendations, ensuring broader vaccine access and insurance coverage for residents. The alliance bases its guidance on trusted scientific organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians, emphasizing public health over political considerations. This move also reflects broader efforts in California to bolster scientific integrity and public health funding after federal cuts during the Trump administration. The governors stressed their commitment to transparency, safety, and protecting families from respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV despite federal agency disruptions.