Four West Coast governors—Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii—have issued a joint statement guaranteeing broad access to COVID-19 vaccines for all residents over six months old, directly challenging recent federal guidelines. This move, spearheaded by the newly formed Western States Health Alliance, stems from concerns regarding alleged political interference within the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The governors emphasize a commitment to science, safety, and transparency, asserting that their decision prioritizes public health over political agendas.
The decision comes as the FDA approved updated COVID-19 vaccines, but limited their use primarily to older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. This restricted access contrasts sharply with the West Coast governors' stance. Furthermore, the delayed release of guidelines from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), coupled with ongoing controversy surrounding the CDC's leadership under HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has fueled the governors' independent action.
In Oregon, this initiative may eliminate the prescription requirement for the 2025-2026 COVID-19 booster, a change potentially facilitated by an emergency meeting of the Oregon Board of Pharmacy. This proactive approach contrasts with the federal government's strategy, which has faced criticism for allegedly restricting vaccine access based on European practices and disregarding the advice of career CDC scientists.
The conflict highlights a fundamental disagreement on vaccine distribution strategy. The West Coast governors advocate for universal access, while federal officials argue for prioritizing high-risk groups. Senator Bill Cassidy has even called for rejecting recommendations from the current, controversial ACIP committee. The dispute has become deeply political, with accusations of political interference in the CDC and the dismissal of career officials fueling the conflict.
The Western States Health Alliance's recommendations extend beyond COVID-19 to include influenza and RSV vaccines, aligning with existing CDC guidelines for the latter two. The initiative's impact remains to be seen, particularly in light of the federal government's potential to cancel contracts and withdraw funding for certain vaccines. However, the governors' bold stance reflects a determination to protect their constituents' health, regardless of the potential federal backlash. The low uptake of COVID-19 booster shots in Oregon last year (only 20%) underscores the urgency of this initiative, and the need for greater accessibility of vaccinations in the region.
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Originally published at: https://www.opb.org/article/2025/09/17/west-coast-governors-oregon-california-washington-hawaii-vaccine-covid-flu/
