West Coast governors recommend COVID-19, flu, RSV vaccines ahead of CDC meeting

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – West Coast states issued new vaccine recommendations Wednesday, including immunizations for COVID-19, influenza and RSV, amid uncertainty within the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) — formed by the governors of Washington, Oregon, California, and Hawaii earlier this month — formally issued a winter virus vaccination list the day before a CDC advisory panel is slated to meet to review vaccine recommendations.

“Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first — and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance,” the governors said in a joint statement. “The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics.” 

Democratic governors Tina Kotek of Oregon, Bob Ferguson of Washington, Gavin Newsom of California, and Josh Green of Hawaii formed the WCHA in early September following CDC changes backed by President Donald Trump and his Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The alliance was formed to fight what they have called the recent politicization of the federal agency and aligns the four states’ public health recommendations, including their immunizations. Each governor has condemned the administration’s removal of 17 members from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices in June.

According to the four governors, the recommendations issued by scientists, clinicians, and public health leaders are that vaccinations for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV are safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses. They also say these recommendations were made with the hope of limiting the impact of serious illness, community transmission, and strain on hospitals.

The West Coast Health Alliance recommendations include those older than 6 months old get a flu vaccine; all babies receive protection from RSV. Those who should receive the COVID vaccine include children 6 months to 23 months old; all adults over the age of 65; everyone younger who has risk factors or is in contact with those who have risk factors; anyone pregnant or planning a pregnancy; and those “who choose protection.”

“As a physician, I swore an oath to do no harm — and we know vaccines are among the most powerful tools to prevent illness and save lives. As a new mother, I want the same protection for my newborn that every Oregon family deserves,” said Oregon Health Authority Director Dr. Sejal Hathi. “At a time when Washington D.C. is undermining our most basic public health safeguards, Oregon is charting a different course. Our actions today affirm that here, public health is about protecting people, not playing politics — and that every family who wants protection this respiratory virus season should be able to get it simply, safely, and affordably.”

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