Following Trump’s politicization of CDC, West Coast states problem unified vaccine suggestions

What it’s essential know: In the vacuum left by the Trump Administration’s chaos and politicization of science, the West Coast Health Alliance at present issued unified, science-based vaccine suggestions forward of the winter virus season.

OLYMPIA –  Today, Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington, Governor Gavin Newsom of California, Governor Tina Kotek of Oregon, and Governor Josh Green of Hawaii introduced coordinated winter virus vaccination suggestions by the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). These suggestions embody the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, influenza, and RSV.

“Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first — and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance. The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics.”

– Joint assertion from Governors Newsom, Kotek, Ferguson, and Green
 

Vaccination is protected, efficient, and the very best safety accessible in opposition to respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Seasonal vaccination can be a vital public well being software to scale back severe sickness, group transmission, and pressure on hospitals.

“Vaccines protect more than just ourselves — they help safeguard our families, neighbors, and communities. By staying up to date, Washingtonians can reduce the spread of illness and keep our state strong this season. The Alliance’s recommendations are rooted in science, giving our communities confidence in the guidance we provide.” –  Washington State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham.

“We want the people who live and work in our states to know that there is a strong public health, healthcare & scientific community that will continue to stand together to provide and use the data and evidence needed for you to make healthy choices, and we are here to protect our communities.” – Dr. Erica Pan, Director of the California Department of Public Health

“As a doctor, I swore an oath to do no hurt—and we all know vaccines are among the many strongest instruments to stop sickness and save lives. As a brand new mom, I would like the identical safety for my new child that each Oregon household deserves. At a time when Washington is undermining our most simple public well being safeguards, Oregon is charting a unique course. Our actions at present affirm that right here, public well being is about defending individuals, not enjoying politics—and that each household who desires safety this respiratory virus season ought to be capable of get it merely, safely, and affordably.” – Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, Director, Oregon Health Authority

 

Truth underneath assault

In current weeks, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has aggressively weaponized the CDC by purging its vaccine advisory committee, firing all 17 members and changing them with cherry-picked appointees who embody vaccine skeptics. He’s compelled out the CDC director, triggered high-level and career-staff resignations, and scheduled expedited conferences the place this reshaped panel will vote on vital suggestions that information nationwide vaccine coverage and insurance coverage protection. Public well being leaders warn these strikes dismantle impartial, science-based oversight and inject politics into choices that shield Americans’ well being — undermining the CDC’s credibility at a second when belief and readability are most wanted.

States stepping in

Alliance states are combating again in opposition to the Trump administration’s assault on science — sharing a dedication to making sure that well being suggestions are guided by security, efficacy, transparency, entry, and belief. To develop these suggestions, Health Officers, who’re all medical medical doctors, and material specialists from every of the WCHA states reviewed tips from credible nationwide medical organizations, together with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Our alliance believes that every one clinically really useful vaccinations must be accessible to the individuals of our states.

The WCHA will proceed to construct its construction, consider new proof and suggestions as they turn out to be accessible, and decide how to make sure the evaluation course of is clear. WCHA is dedicated to sharing any up to date assessments with our communities.

The Alliance suggestions, accessible right here, present a baseline for member states. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) COVID-19 vaccine suggestions construct on this baseline. In September, Washington DOH issued a standing order advising everybody 6 months and older to remain updated on COVID-19 vaccinations.