In a move that cements California's stance on public health and the importance of vaccinations, top Health and Human Services leaders have put out a joint declaration in support of evidence-based vaccine policies, California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson, CDPH Director Dr. Erica Pan, DHCS Director Michelle Baass, and DMHC Director Mary Watanabe were among the signatories reinforcing the state's commitment to providing accessible immunizations based on American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, as reported by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH).
The alliance these leaders unveiled, the West Coast Health Alliance, teams up California with Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii, doubling down on a scientific approach to public health policy, at a time when the federal schedule has come under scrutiny for advised reductions in disease protection and the group is bolstering their promise to keep following the AAP-recommended vaccine schedule, a schedule which is founded on extensive research and clinical evidence, quoting from the CDPH, the leaders stated, "California will continue to emphasize science-based policies that protect families and communities and promote universal vaccine access."
Ensuring that Californians can get vaccinated without financial strain continues to be a priority for the state, following up from AB 144—signed by Governor Newsom in September 2025—mandating health plans to cover preventive care services recommended by the CDPH or the 2025 federal government recommendations with no copays or prior approval necessary, drawing from the CDPH's announcement.
With the DMHC issuing an All Plan Letter and the DHCS updating providers on Medi-Cal's vaccine coverage as per AB 144, Californians are supported in more ways than one, to make informed health decisions, free COVID-19 vaccines, tests, and treatments also remain covered under health plans, detailed in the DMHC's COVID-19 fact sheet and there's more info available on the CDPH Public Health for All webpage, moreover, residents are encouraged to visit their health plan's website or contact the DMHC Help Center if issues arise.
Californians looking for preventive healthcare services, such as vaccines, can find additional support through the DHCS if they encounter problems with Medi-Cal managed care plan services—further solidifying the state's resolve to keep its inhabitants healthy and safeguarded from preventable diseases.
