Sept 3, 2025 Reuters California, Oregon and Washington form health alliance amid federal vaccine tensions
U.S. states of California, Oregon and Washington said on Wednesday they have launched a new health alliance to provide unified vaccine recommendations amid growing tensions over federal immunization policies and public health directives.
Under the West Coast Health Alliance, the states said they will make joint recommendations on who should receive vaccines, informed by national medical associations even if they diverge from federal guidance….
..."The dismantling of public health and dismissal of experienced and respected health leaders and advisors, along with the lack of using science, data and evidence to improve our nation's health, are placing lives at risk," said Erica Pan, California State Public Health Officer….
On Thursday, Hawaii announced it will join Oregon, California, and Washington in the formation of a new health alliance in response to concerns about political decisions within the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“We are proud to announce the state of Hawaii is joining the West Coast Health Alliance to uphold the scientific integrity of public health recommendations. We look forward to collaborating as allied states on the best practices for our constituents. Together, we’re taking a stand to ensure the safety of our residents is protected and guided by evidence-based findings and not political whims.” Governors [Bob]Ferguson, [Gavin]Newsom, and [Tina] Kotek said in a joint statement.
The states announced the alliance earlier this week in response to concerns about the CDC’s credibility under the Trump administration. Particularly governors of Oregon, Washington, and California expressed concern over vaccines under President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In June, Kennedy removed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP] [and replaced them with hand-picked advisers, including fellow anti-vaccine activists]….
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...according to a news release from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office today, as part of “a shared commitment to safeguard public health.” Together, the release said, these four states will “provide evidence-based immunization guidance rooted in safety, efficacy, and transparency — ensuring residents receive credible information free from political interference.”
The alliance will also ensure public health policies are informed by trusted scientists, clinicians, and other public health leaders.
“Hawaii is proud to stand with our West Coast partners to ensure public health decisions are grounded in science, not politics,” Gov. Josh Green, a former emergency room physician, said in the release. “As an island state, we understand how critical it is to protect our communities from preventable disease. By joining the West Coast Health Alliance, we’re giving Hawaii’s people the same consistent, evidence-based guidance they can trust to keep their families and neighbors safe.”
“Using science as our guiding star, Hawaii had the highest vaccination rate and lowest mortality rate of virtually any other state or region across the globe. This approach is critical as we all go forward into an era with severe threats from infectious diseases,”...
...Also on Wednesday, Florida announced plans to end all state vaccine mandates, including for children to attend schools….
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<big>Wikipedia West Coast Health Alliance</big>
