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COVID-19

Western States Challenge CDC Vaccine Guidance

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Four Western states - California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington - are working together as the West Coast Health Alliance to issue joint guidance on vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV, which is broader than the current recommendations by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The alliance recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children as young as 6 months, adults 65 and older, and those with certain health risks or pregnant individuals. They also advise flu shots for everyone 6 months and older and RSV shots for all babies, adults with health risks, and those 75 and older. The states claim their decisions are based on science, not politics.

Key Takeaways:

  • The West Coast Health Alliance recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 23 months, adults 65 and older, younger adults with health risks, and pregnant individuals.
  • The alliance advises flu shots for everyone 6 months and older and RSV shots for all babies, adults ages 50 to 74 with health risks, and those 75 and older.
  • The states claim their decisions are based on science, not politics, in contrast to the criticisms of public health leaders.
  • The recommendations closely match the prior CDC advice, which was rolled back earlier this year by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law allowing the state to rely on independent medical groups when setting insurance coverage rules for vaccines.
  • Other states, including Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, have also issued their own vaccine recommendations, while Florida plans to phase out childhood vaccine mandates.

Statistics:

  • The West Coast Health Alliance recommends COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 6 months to 23 months.
  • The alliance advises flu shots for everyone 6 months and older.
  • RSV shots are recommended for all babies, all adults ages 50 to 74 with health risks, and those 75 and older.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law (September 2025) allowing the state to rely on independent medical groups when setting insurance coverage rules for vaccines.

Sources:

  • CBS News, Sept. 17, 2025

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