West Coast states challenge CDC with independent vaccine guidelines

In September 2025, California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington jointly announced new COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccine recommendations that diverge from those put forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This initiative comes in the context of increased concerns over the influence of politics on public health, particularly following recent actions taken by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been criticized for undermining the credibility of the CDC. The states, now part of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), are advocating for vaccine access based on scientific evidence rather than political pressures. The governors of these states cited their alliance as a necessary response to what they perceive as a degradation of trust in CDC guidance. Recent changes by the CDC, including a shift away from recommending COVID vaccinations for certain age groups and pregnant women, prompted these states to seek independent medical bases for their vaccine recommendations. This new direction includes significant entities such as the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, as sources for future immunization guidance. Californian Governor Gavin Newsom, who signed a new law allowing the state to issue immunization recommendations based on these independent organizations, emphasized the necessity for rigorous science as the foundation for public health policies. The WCHA aims to ensure that the health and safety of the population are prioritized over increasing political influence that could compromise public health decisions. The announcement was strategically made just before a scheduled two-day meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), heightening the tension between state-led initiatives and federal oversight. The broader implications of this coalition extend to how vaccinations are recommended and covered by health insurance companies, as insurers typically adhere to CDC guidance. This departure from traditional federal recommendations raises significant questions about public health policy direction and the potential for confused messaging regarding immunizations. The West Coast alliance represents a clear stand taken by these governors against federal policies perceived as inadequate or detrimental to public health, advocating for a more transparent and scientifically driven approach to vaccine recommendations.