PORTLAND, Ore. – In a move to counter what they describe as federal politicization of public health, the Democratic governors of California, Oregon, and Washington announced the creation of a regional immunization alliance. The pact will allow the three West Coast states to set their own vaccine recommendations and safeguard access for residents.
The announcement comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) undergoes a controversial restructuring under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has drawn criticism from medical groups for advancing anti-vaccine policies.
A Coordinated West Coast Response
Governors Gavin Newsom (California), Tina Kotek (Oregon), and Bob Ferguson (Washington) said the alliance will ensure that decisions on vaccine access and recommendations are based on science and medical expertise, not politics.
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In a joint statement, the governors pledged to coordinate immunization guidance using evidence from respected medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
“Our states have a responsibility to protect public health,” the governors wrote. “By working together, we will ensure access to vaccines is preserved and guided by science.”
Federal Undermining Sparks State Action
The alliance was announced the same day Florida Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled plans to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates in his state, underscoring the sharp political divide over vaccination policy.
Meanwhile, Kennedy’s restructuring of the CDC has raised alarm nationwide. In recent months, he dismissed the agency’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), eliminated several leadership positions, and signaled his intent to limit federal promotion of vaccines.
Public health experts warn that these changes could weaken vaccine confidence and access at a time when COVID-19 cases are rising and seasonal illnesses are straining hospitals.
“Decades of research have proven vaccines save lives,” the governors’ statement read. “Undermining the CDC threatens not only COVID response but also childhood immunization programs for measles, polio, and other preventable diseases.”
Why the Alliance Matters
The West Coast Health Alliance will allow California, Oregon, and Washington to:
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Issue unified recommendations for vaccines across all three states.
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Coordinate distribution and access for pharmacies, clinics, and schools.
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Provide consistent public messaging to counter misinformation.
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Safeguard vulnerable populations, including children, seniors, and those with chronic health conditions.
By creating their own framework, the governors say they can avoid confusion caused by shifting or contradictory federal guidance.
Contrast with Other States
The alliance highlights the widening gap between Democratic-led and Republican-led states in their handling of vaccine policy.
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Florida is actively phasing out childhood vaccine mandates.
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Other Republican governors have signaled similar moves to reduce public health requirements that emerged during the pandemic.
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In contrast, West Coast states argue that maintaining strong immunization programs is essential to preventing outbreaks of diseases long under control.
A Message to Residents
The governors stressed that residents of California, Oregon, and Washington should feel confident that vaccine access will not be disrupted despite federal changes.
“Oregonians, Washingtonians, and Californians can rest assured that their leaders are working together to uphold science-based immunization policy,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a statement. “We will not allow political interference to put our communities at risk.”
Looking Ahead
Details on how the alliance will function are expected in the coming weeks, with health departments from all three states working on a shared set of guidelines. Officials said they will also consult with universities, medical societies, and public health organizations to ensure their framework reflects the latest evidence.
For now, the alliance signals a firm rebuke of federal policy shifts and a commitment to protecting access to vaccines across the West Coast.
“As political battles play out in Washington, D.C.,” the governors’ statement concluded, “our states will continue to put public health and science first.”
