The governors of California, Oregon, and Washington announced Thursday the creation of a joint West Coast Health Alliance aimed at issuing independent vaccine recommendations for their residents, distancing themselves from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The move follows what the governors described as federal actions that have “undermined the independence of the CDC and raised concerns about the politicization of science.” The alliance will coordinate evidence-based immunization policies across the three states while providing residents with reliable information on vaccine safety and efficacy.
“Since its founding, the CDC has been central to protecting Americans from disease. But recent leadership changes, reduced transparency, and the sidelining of long-trusted advisory bodies have impaired the agency’s capacity to prepare the nation for respiratory virus season and other public health challenges,” Govs. Gavin Newsom of California, Tina Kotek of Oregon, and Bob Ferguson of Washington said in a joint statement. “California, Oregon, and Washington will not allow the people of our states to be put at risk.”
The governors pledged the alliance would ensure that public health policies remain grounded in scientific expertise and aligned with recommendations from national medical organizations.
The announcement comes amid turmoil at the federal level. Susan Monarez, M.D., was dismissed last week as CDC director less than a month into her tenure. Her departure was followed by the resignations of several senior officials, including the agency’s chief medical officer, head of vaccines, and data chief.
In June, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed all 17 members of the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices — a decision that the three states condemned.
“We will continue to provide clear, evidence-based guidance to people living in our states, look to scientific experts in trusted medical professional organizations for recommendations, and work with public health leaders across the country to ensure all Americans are protected,” the governors said.
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