States on the West Coast unite to establish shared vaccine guidelines, deviating from the guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii have formed the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) in response to what they call an erosion of trust in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Governor Gavin Newsom of California has signed a new law that will shift the immunization recommendations the state will recommend from the CDC to independent medical organizations.
The alliance represents a unified regional response to the Trump Administration's perceived destruction of the CDC's credibility and scientific integrity, as stated by Governor Newsom in a press release. The independent medical organizations include the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
The WCHA's recommendations include guidance for receiving the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. However, it's important to note that specific named independent organizations distinct from the CDC are not explicitly detailed in the provided search results.
Meanwhile, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is holding a two-day meeting, during which they are expected to vote on some vaccines on Thursday and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines on Friday. The FDA has approved the new COVID-19 vaccines only for those at high risk for severe illness, including those 65 and older.
In a statement earlier this month, a spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criticized the West Coast states' plans for a health alliance, and stated that ACIP remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in the country.
However, the association that represents many insurance companies (AHIP) has pledged to cover the cost for any vaccine that is part of the current guidelines before the new ACIP makes their recommendations this week. Additionally, several states have made rules that allow anyone who wants a vaccine to get one at their pharmacy. Anyone who falls out of those categories can get a prescription for the vaccine after discussing it with their doctor.
The current guidelines suggest anyone older than 6 months should consider getting the COVID-19 and annual flu shot until at least the end of 2026. The statement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also criticized COVID-era policies in "Democrat-run states." Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson responded, "Science matters. We will ensure our policies are based on rigorous science. We stand united with our partner states and medical experts to put public health and safety before politics."
There is a delay in the vote on hepatitis B by CDC advisers, but the details of this delay are not clear at this time. The association's decision to shift from the CDC to independent medical organizations marks a significant change in the approach to immunization recommendations in the West Coast states.
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