West Coast Health Alliance issues first joint winter vaccine guidance

The newly formed West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) has issued its first vaccine recommendations ahead of the winter virus season.

The alliance, which includes Washington, California, Oregon, and Hawaii, claimed its decision comes in response to what state leaders describe as the federal government’s politicization of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

“Vaccines protect more than just ourselves — they help safeguard our families, neighbors, and communities,” said Washington State Secretary of Health Dennis Worsham. “By staying up to date, Washingtonians can reduce the spread of illness and keep our state strong this season.”

WCHA issues first vaccine recommendations ahead of winter

The WCHA’s recommendations include updated guidance on COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines. Its guidance is informed by national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

For children, the alliance provided a list of respiratory virus immunization recommendations.

• COVID-19 vaccination for all ages 6-23 months, and for children 2-18 years who have risk factors or have never been vaccinated.
• Influenza vaccination for all children six months and older.
• RSV protection for infants younger than eight months, and for children 8-19 months with risk factors.

For pregnancy:

• COVID-19 and influenza vaccination for those planning pregnancy, currently pregnant, postpartum, or lactating.
• Influenza vaccination for those planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum, or lactating.
• RSV vaccination between 32-36 weeks of gestation

For adults:

• COVID-19 vaccination for all adults 65 and older, and for younger adults with risk factors or close contact with vulnerable individuals.
• Influenza vaccination for all adults.
• RSV vaccination for adults 75 and older, and for those 50-74 with underlying health conditions

Previous vaccine orders issued in Washington

In Washington, the Department of Health has already issued a standing order allowing residents six months and older to receive the COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription.

“Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first — and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance,” said the WCHA in a joint statement. “The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics.”

The announcement comes on the same day Dr. Susan Monarez, the recently ousted CDC director, testified before the Senate Health Committee. Dr. Monarez alleged she was fired for holding “the line on scientific integrity.” Monarez said she was dismissed after refusing Secretary Kennedy’s demands to fire CDC vaccine officials and to pre-approve vaccine recommendations without reviewing the underlying science.

While some Republican senators expressed concern over the testimony, others used the hearing to criticize the CDC’s pandemic-era policies.

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