West Coast governors coordinate vaccine policy as California sets independent path

Today, the governors of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii announced a coordinated approach to vaccine recommendations for the upcoming winter virus season. Through the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), these states issued unified guidance on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccinations for 2025–26.

Governor Gavin Newsom also signed AB 144 into law. This new legislation allows California to set its own immunization policies based on advice from independent medical organizations instead of following federal guidelines from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

In a joint statement, Governors Newsom, Tina Kotek of Oregon, Bob Ferguson of Washington, and Josh Green of Hawaii said: “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 WCHA’s recommendations follow a period when federal oversight has been questioned by state leaders. Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. recently replaced all members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee with new appointees that include vaccine skeptics and dismissed key staff members at the agency. Public health officials say these changes threaten science-based decision-making at a critical time.

State health authorities emphasized their commitment to evidence-based guidance. Dr. Erica Pan, Director of the California Department of Public Health stated: “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. Sejal Hathi, Director of Oregon Health Authority added: “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.”

Dennis Worsham, Washington State Secretary of Health said: “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.”

Kenneth S. Fink from Hawaiʻi Department of Health noted: “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.”

The WCHA developed its recommendations after reviewing input from national medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). The alliance plans ongoing evaluation as new information becomes available.

For more details about these updated recommendations or further updates from WCHA visit their official resources.