States on the West Coast Join Forces to Offer Science-Backed Vaccine Recommendations
West Coast Health Alliance Unveils Vaccine Guidelines for Winter Season
The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), a new collaborative effort by the US states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, has released its first joint vaccine recommendations for the winter season of 2025-26. The WCHA's focus is on vaccines for COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
The WCHA's recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines emphasize that the vaccine should 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.
For RSV, the WCHA recommends vaccinations for all infants, individuals aged 50 to 74 with risk factors, and everyone aged 75 and older. The influenza vaccine, according to the WCHA, should be administered to everyone aged 6 months and older.
The formation of the WCHA signifies a growing trend among states to assert their autonomy in public health policymaking. This development has the potential to prompt further discussions on state versus federal health guidelines.
The WCHA's vaccine guidance notably diverges from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) current advisories. However, the WCHA's recommendations are based on insights from national medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
States like Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania have issued vaccine guidelines that differ from the CDC. Meanwhile, Florida has announced plans to phase out childhood vaccine mandates.
The WCHA's independent guidance on vaccinations and immunizations could potentially influence vaccine policies nationwide. The alliance's mission is to provide objective advice on these matters, contributing to a more informed and protected public.
For more information on the WCHA and its recommendations, please visit the provided link.
