California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii have announced the formation of the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) to provide independent guidance on vaccinations and immunizations. This initiative comes as a response to what those states describe as the “politicization of science” by the federal government.
The alliance aims to offer residents more reliable health recommendations, particularly concerning vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.
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The WCHA unveiled its initial recommendations on Wednesday, advocating for the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines. These recommendations are crafted based on insights from national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
WCHA’s Recommendations Diverge from Federal Guidelines
The alliance’s vaccine guidance notably diverges from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current advisories. WCHA recommends that the COVID-19 vaccine be available to “all who choose protection,” with a particular emphasis on children aged 6 months to 23 months, adults over 65, individuals under 65 with risk factors, and those pregnant or planning pregnancies. These recommendations largely reflect the CDC’s stance prior to this year.
In addition to COVID-19, the WCHA advises that everyone aged 6 months and older receive the influenza vaccine. For RSV, the alliance recommends vaccinations for all infants, individuals aged 50 to 74 with risk factors, and everyone aged 75 and older.
Other States Also Challenging CDC Vaccine Recommendations
This alliance is not alone in challenging the federal narrative. States like Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania have also issued vaccine guidelines that differ from the CDC. Meanwhile, Florida recently made headlines by announcing plans to phase out childhood vaccine mandates.
Public health experts say that vaccination remains a safe, effective tool in preventing respiratory illnesses and reducing community transmission and hospital strain.
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The formation of the WCHA signifies a growing trend among states to assert their autonomy in public health policymaking. As the alliance’s recommendations take root, it could potentially influence vaccine policies nationwide, prompting further discussions on state versus federal health guidelines.
Information on and guidance from the WCHA can be found here.
