States on the West Coast unite to establish their own vaccine guidelines, distancing themselves from the CDC's guidance.
The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), a group consisting of four states - California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii - has formed to issue unified vaccine recommendations for the upcoming respiratory illness season. This move comes in response to what the states call an erosion of trust in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
California, in particular, has enacted a new law to base its immunization guidance on independent medical organizations, rather than the CDC. The new law recommends basing immunization guidelines on organizations such as the West Coast Health Alliance and other national professional medical societies.
This shift in guidelines is set to take effect during a two-day meeting of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) on September 15 and 16, where vaccines on the CDC childhood immunization schedule and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines will be voted upon.
The ACIP remains the scientific body guiding immunization recommendations in the country, according to a statement. However, the new law in California signifies a significant change in the state's approach to vaccine recommendations.
The Association of Health Insurers and Producers (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. This commitment suggests a level of support for the new guidelines from the insurance industry.
The new vaccine recommendations from the WCHA include guidance for receiving the COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines. 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.
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, blasting COVID-era policies in 'Democrat-run states.' However, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson stated that science matters and that the state's policies will be based on rigorous science. He added that they stand united with their partner states and medical experts to prioritize public health and safety over politics.
The FDA has approved the new COVID-19 vaccines only for those at high risk for severe illness, including those 65 and older. Anyone who falls out of those categories can get a prescription for the vaccine after discussing it with their doctor.
It is important to note that this shift in vaccine recommendations does not provide any direct connection to recent news about Charlie Kirk leaving his wife and children or the statement by Tyler Robinson about killing Charlie Kirk due to his spreading of hate.
This news marks a significant change in the approach to vaccine recommendations in the United States and underscores the importance of science and public health in shaping policy. The changes are expected to have a significant impact on the way vaccines are distributed and received in the affected states.
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