Four Western states led by Democratic governors have issued joint recommendations on vaccination for seasonal respiratory illnesses such as the flu and COVID-19. The announcement comes amid concerns over what state officials describe as increasing politicization of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the Trump administration.
California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii recently formed the West Coast Health Alliance to address what they call “the weaponization” of federal health agencies in promoting antivaccine policies. These policies are viewed by the alliance as undermining decades of scientific consensus that vaccines are both safe and effective.
The group’s guidance aligns with positions held by leading medical organizations. It was released just before a CDC advisory panel is scheduled to meet to review vaccine recommendations, including those related to COVID-19.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously opposed vaccines before his appointment, dismissed all 17 members of the CDC advisory panel earlier this year and replaced them with individuals that include anti-vaccine advocates. Former CDC chief Susan Monarez testified before senators that she lost her position after less than a month because she refused to approve changes to childhood vaccine schedules without supporting data.
“Public health leaders warn these moves dismantle independent, science-based oversight and inject politics into decisions that protect Americans’ health — undermining the CDC’s credibility at a moment when trust and clarity are most needed,” said the West Coast Health Alliance in its statement Wednesday.
In response, Andrew Nixon, spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), criticized actions taken by states during previous pandemic years: “Democrat-run states that pushed unscientific school lockdowns, toddler mask mandates, and draconian vaccine passports during the COVID era completely eroded the American people’s trust in public health agencies,” Nixon stated. “HHS will ensure policy is based on rigorous evidence and Gold Standard Science, not the failed politics of the pandemic.”
The alliance recommends flu vaccination for everyone older than six months old as well as RSV protection for all infants. Their guidance also supports COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6–23 months; adults over 65; younger adults with risk factors or who live with high-risk individuals; anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy; and anyone else who chooses vaccination.
Kennedy’s recent decisions have sparked debate nationwide regarding vaccine policy at both state and federal levels. For example, Florida has moved toward ending school vaccine requirements while other states consider similar steps or seek to uphold existing protections for child immunizations.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has announced measures requiring insurance providers in her state to cover vaccines recommended by Massachusetts public health officials regardless of federal endorsement. Massachusetts also leads a bipartisan coalition among eight Northeastern states working together on vaccine policy coordination.
In New Mexico, pharmacists now administer COVID-19 vaccinations following state rather than exclusively federal guidelines.
