West Coast Alliance Issues Unified Vaccine Recommendations as Oregon Leaders Warn Politics Threatens Public Health

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) yesterday (Wednesday) issued unified, science-based vaccine recommendations ahead of the winter virus season.

Trump Administration Politicized Science

The four-state WCHA, incorporating Oregon, California, Washington, and Hawaii, was formed in what the organization terms a “vacuum” left by the chaos and politicization of science by the Trump Administration.

The four state governors, Tina Kotek of Oregon, Gavin Newsom of California, Bob Ferguson of Washington, and Josh Green of Hawaii, announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations, including the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines.

“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,” say the four governors in a joint statement.

The WCHA believes that vaccination is safe, effective, and the best protection against respiratory viruses like COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Seasonal vaccination is also a critical public health tool to reduce illness, community transmission, and strain on hospitals.

Oregon Health Authority Director Says Vaccines Prevent Death and Serious Illness

Asked to comment, Dr. Sejal Hathi, director of the Oregon Health Authority, says vaccines remain a critical tool to prevent severe illness and death.

“In a void of federal leadership, our four states are stepping forward to provide clear, consistent recommendations our communities can trust. Our commitment is to ensure that our shared guidance is rooted in science and that the vaccines people want and need are accessible to all. Public health depends on clarity, equity, and transparency, and that is what we are delivering.”

In recent weeks, Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. has aggressively weaponized the CDC by purging its vaccine advisory committee, firing all 17 members and replacing them with appointees who include vaccine skeptics.

Public health leaders warn these moves dismantle independent, science-based oversight and inject politics into decisions that protect Americans’ health — undermining the CDC’s credibility at a moment when trust and clarity are most needed.

To learn more about these updated recommendations, click here.