SALEM Ore. (KPTV) - The governors of Oregon, Washington, California, and Hawaii on Wednesday released joint recommendations urging people to stay up-to-date on vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and RSV ahead of the winter virus season.
The guidance comes through the newly formed West Coast Health Alliance, a partnership formed by the four states. Leaders said the recommendations are meant to provide consistent, science-based advice as the federal government reshapes its vaccine policies.
"Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first -- and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance. The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics," the four governors said in a joint statement.
Health officials stressed that vaccines remain the best defense against severe illness and the spread of respiratory viruses.
"As a physician, I swore an oath to do no harm -- and we know vaccines are among the most powerful tools to prevent illness and save lives. As a new mother, I want the same protection for my newborn that every Oregon family deserves. At a time when Washington is undermining our most basic public health safeguards, Oregon is charting a different course," said Dr. Sejal Hathi, Director of the Oregon Health Authority. "At a time when Washington is undermining our most basic public health safeguards, Oregon is charting a different course."
Dr. Erica Pan, California's public health director said the four states' health departments are working together to ensure people have the information they need. "We are here to protect our communities," she said.
Hawaii health director Dr. Kenneth Fink said public trust is central to the recommendations. 'These recommendations represent a collaborative effort... based on science," he said.
The Announcement follows recent changes at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Public officials in the four states said they were concerned that political interference in the CDC's vaccine advisory process could weaken trust in national guidance.
State officials said their recommendations are based on reviews from medical experts and leading professional organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
The West Coast Health Alliance said it will continue reviewing evidence and share updates with the public as needed.
America's public health system is headed to a "very dangerous place" with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his team of anti-vaccine advisers in charge, fired Centers for Disease Control and Prevention chief Susan Monarez warned senators on Wednesday.
Describing extraordinary turmoil inside the nation's health agencies, Monarez and former CDC Chief Medical Officer Chief Debra Houry described exchanges in which Kennedy or political advisers rebuffed data supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Monarez, who was fired after just 29 days on the job following disagreements with Kennedy, told senators deadly diseases like polio and whooping cough, long contained, are poised to make a comeback in the U.S.
"I believe preventable diseases will return, and I believe we will have our children harmed by things they don't need to be harmed by," Monarez said before the Senate health committee.
Read more detail about the West Coast Health Alliance's vaccine recommendations, here.