In a united front against what they describe as the politicization of the CDC by Trump officials, Governors from the West Coast have come together to issue a joint set of vaccine recommendations ahead of the winter virus season. In a news release shared by the office of Governor Bob Ferguson, the newly formed West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), which includes California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii, has rolled out guidelines for the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine, influenza, and RSV vaccinations.
"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 Governors said in a statement. These guidelines emphasize not just the safety and efficiency of vaccines, but also their ability to reduce the strain on healthcare systems and prevent community transmission, as noted by the same news release.
According to Washington State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham, “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.” His statement highlights the community-focused aspect of the vaccination drive, suggesting that the Alliance's recommendations are meant to instill confidence among the populace in the scientific foundations of their guidance, as per the Governor's Office.
The move comes in response to recent controversial actions by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has been accused of reshaping the CDC's vaccine advisory committee to include vaccine skeptics, dismissing the existing members, and pushing out the director, which, according to critics, has cast doubt on the integrity of the CDC's decision-making process. Dr. Sejal Hathi, MD, MBA, Director of the Oregon Health Authority, emphasized that vaccines remain one of the most powerful tools to prevent illness and save lives, highlighting both her professional commitment as a physician and her personal perspective as a new mother.
In the face of challenges at the federal level, Alliance states have vowed to maintain rigorous standards in their health recommendations. The WCHA has committed to evaluating new evidence, maintaining a transparent review process, and updating the communities as part of its ongoing effort to ensure public health protocols are based on credible science. This collaborative approach is reflected in Washington's proactive measure in September, where the Washington State Department of Health issued a standing order advising all individuals aged 6 months and older to stay updated on COVID-19 vaccinations.
