Oregon Joins California and Washington to Push Vaccine Policies Based on Science Over Ideology

Oregon has joined a three-state coalition in a retaliatory move following the appointment of several new key members to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pledging to promote vaccine and immunization programs based on ‘science, not ideology,’ the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) coalition between Oregon, California, and Washington will be formulating its own vaccine policies.

This move is not unlike the Northeast Public Health Collaboration, a coalition of nine states formed in the aftermath of changing federal health priorities and funding freezes.

Widespread Dissatisfaction Followed the Ousting of CDC Director by Robert F. Kennedy

The establishment of the WCHA follows the recent ousting of the CDC director, Dr. Susan Monarez, who disagreed with the vaccine policies touted by the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy. Other top agency leaders have since resigned in solidarity.

Widespread dissatisfaction with the CDC’s vaccine recommendations has prompted several states to investigate ways in which to distance themselves from CDC vaccine and immunization policies.

Yesterday (Wednesday), Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced the coalition with the governors of California, Gavin Newsom, and Washington, Bob Ferguson.

She said the coalition will coordinate guidelines from recommendations of leading scientific experts in ‘trusted medical organizations’ to ensure ongoing professional public healthcare services. Kotek said policies will be designed to meet the needs of its communities.

At this stage, it is unclear whether COVID-19 vaccines will be made available at local pharmacies or if the cost of the injections will be covered by health insurance.