On September 17, 2025, a bold new chapter in public health policy began for the West Coast. In a move that’s making headlines across the country, the governors of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii jointly announced the first-ever unified vaccine guidelines under the banner of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). This alliance, formed in response to mounting concerns about the politicization of federal health agencies, is now charting its own course—aiming to provide what it calls "credible and safe recommendations for vaccinations" to millions of residents.
The WCHA’s debut recommendations are sweeping, covering the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines. According to AJMC and a news release from Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, these guidelines were crafted by seasoned health officers—medical doctors and epidemiology experts—who pored over the latest guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. Their mission: sift through the noise and deliver science-based advice that residents can trust.
So, what do these new recommendations actually say? For starters, the COVID-19 vaccine guidance is more nuanced than ever. Children aged 6 to 23 months are now advised to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. For children aged 2 to 18, the shot is recommended if they have never been vaccinated or if they have risk factors that make them vulnerable. The alliance also singles out individuals who are planning to become pregnant, those who are currently pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding—all are encouraged to get vaccinated. Adults aged 19 to 65 years are advised to receive the vaccine if they have risk factors, are in close contact with at-risk individuals, or simply choose to do so. And for those 65 and older, the recommendation is clear: get the shot.
Underlying these details is a strong affirmation from the alliance: "Vaccines are safe, work well, and are the best way to protect against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, the flu, and RSV," the WCHA states in its official release. The alliance’s leaders are adamant that these recommendations are grounded in science, not politics—a point they’re making loud and clear as the country heads into another unpredictable winter virus season.
This regional breakaway comes at a time when confidence in federal health agencies is at a low ebb. According to a news release and reporting from AJMC, the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee has recently undergone a dramatic shakeup. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. fired all 17 members, replacing them with appointees that include vaccine skeptics—a move that has alarmed public health leaders nationwide. The CDC director has also been forced out, and expedited meetings are now being scheduled to determine the fate of national vaccine policy and insurance coverage. Critics argue that these actions have “dismantled independent, science-based oversight and injected politics into decisions that protect Americans’ health,” as reported by multiple sources.
California, for its part, has taken the additional step of formalizing its independence from the CDC. On the same day the WCHA guidelines were released, Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 144 into law. This legislation authorizes California to base future immunization guidance on credible, independent medical organizations rather than the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which state leaders say has become "increasingly politicized." In a joint statement, Governors Newsom, Tina Kotek (Oregon), Bob Ferguson (Washington), and Josh Green (Hawaii) declared, "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."
The alliance’s approach isn’t just about issuing new rules; it’s about restoring public trust. Dr. Erica Pan, Director of the California Department of Public Health, emphasized in a statement, "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." Her words were echoed by Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of the Oregon Health Authority, who noted, "Vaccines remain a critical tool to prevent severe illness and death. In a void of federal leadership, our four states are stepping forward to provide clear, consistent recommendations our communities can trust. Our commitment is to ensure that our shared guidance is rooted in science and that vaccines people want and need are accessible to all. Public health depends on clarity, equity, and transparency—and that is what we’re delivering today."
Washington’s Secretary of Health, Dennis Worsham, added, "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." Dr. Kenneth S. Fink, Director of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health, stressed the importance of public trust: "The effectiveness of public health institutions depends on the public’s trust. We understand our responsibility to earn that trust by helping people protect themselves, their families and their community. These recommendations represent a collaborative effort, done with humility and based on science, to meet our responsibilities to our communities and the public at large."
While the alliance’s recommendations are new, the process behind them is designed for longevity and adaptability. The WCHA has pledged to "continue to build its structure, evaluate new evidence and recommendations as they become available, and determine how to ensure the review process is transparent." The alliance is also committed to sharing updated assessments with the public, ensuring that its guidance evolves as new data emerges.
Meanwhile, the FDA has made headlines of its own, recently approving a COVID-19 vaccine booster, albeit with certain restrictions on patient access, as reported by AJMC. And on September 16, 2025, AHIP, a leading health insurance group, issued statements on vaccine coverage in response to these developments, signaling the growing importance of state-level leadership in vaccine policy.
The stakes are high. With the federal government’s credibility under scrutiny and the winter virus season approaching, the WCHA’s unified front marks a significant shift in how public health policy is made and communicated on the West Coast. The alliance’s leaders are betting that clear, transparent, and science-based recommendations can not only protect health but also rebuild the public’s trust in the institutions charged with safeguarding it.
For millions across California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, the message is simple: science, not politics, will guide the way forward.
