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COVID-19

Western States Diverge from CDC on Vaccine Recommendations

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to issue cautious vaccine recommendations, four Western states – California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington – are taking a more aggressive approach. The West Coast Health Alliance, a grouping of these states, issued joint guidance on Wednesday, recommending broader vaccine use for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. This guidance diverges from the CDC's recommendations, which were previously narrowed due to the influence of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The states' decision is based on science, not politics, according to a statement from the alliance. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law allowing the state to rely on independent medical groups for vaccine coverage rules, further distancing itself from the CDC. The CDC has faced criticism from the US Department of Health and Human Services, which asserts that policy should be based on rigorous evidence and gold-standard science.

Key Takeaways:

  • The West Coast Health Alliance, consisting of California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington, has issued joint guidance recommending broader vaccine use for COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
  • The guidance includes vaccination for young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with health risks, which diverges from the CDC's recommendations.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law allowing the state to rely on independent medical groups for vaccine coverage rules.
  • The CDC's vaccine committee has faced criticism, with some allegations that its decisions are based on politics rather than science.
  • Other states, including Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania, have also issued their own vaccine recommendations, which differ from the CDC's guidance.
  • Florida has announced plans to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates.

Statistics:

  • 4 Western states (California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington) are part of the West Coast Health Alliance and have issued joint vaccine guidelines.
  • The CDC previously recommended COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages six months to 23 months, but this recommendation was narrowed due to the influence of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • The West Coast Health Alliance recommends flu shots for everyone six months and older.
  • RSV shots are recommended for all babies and adults ages 50 to 74 with health risks and individuals 75 and older.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law allowing the state to rely on independent medical groups for vaccine coverage rules.

Sources:

  • CBS News, Sept. 17, 2025
  • HealthDay News, Sept. 19, 2025 (FRIDAY)

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