In a significant move that diverges from the more restrictive federal guidelines, the West Coast Health Alliance, which includes California, Oregon, and Hawaii, has issued a broader recommendation for COVID-19 vaccinations. The alliance is advocating for the vaccination of all adults and children who choose to receive protection against the virus, expanding the criteria well beyond the recent restrictions set by federal health authorities. This new recommendation comes as a response to ongoing public health concerns and aims to offer greater flexibility and accessibility for individuals seeking protection from COVID-19.
The decision by the West Coast Health Alliance stands in contrast to the federal guidance issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which recently limited the approval of COVID-19 vaccines to individuals aged 65 and older, as well as those with underlying health conditions. While the FDA’s approach restricts access to the updated vaccines for the broader population, the West Coast Health Alliance is supporting the administration of COVID-19 vaccines for a wider age range, including children aged six to 23 months. The alliance is also recommending that two- to 18-year-olds with risk factors, or those who have yet to be vaccinated, receive the updated vaccine. This marks a clear break from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s policy, which, in May 2025, withdrew vaccine endorsements for healthy children and pregnant women.
This new vaccination guidance is part of a broader trend where some states and medical groups are taking matters into their own hands to establish independent vaccination policies. As the fall immunization campaign approaches, these policies aim to ensure that vaccines remain accessible to those who wish to receive them, even as federal guidance has become more restrictive. The West Coast Health Alliance’s move to extend the eligibility for COVID-19 vaccinations comes as part of a broader strategy to maintain public health safety and reduce the spread of the virus.
Despite the divergence in recommendations regarding COVID-19, the West Coast Health Alliance continues to align with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the recommendations for vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza. For these vaccines, the alliance maintains adherence to CDC guidelines, ensuring consistency in public health practices for other contagious diseases.
As states and health organizations adapt their strategies in response to changing federal policies, the ongoing discussion about COVID-19 vaccinations remains a key issue in public health planning. The broader recommendations from the West Coast Health Alliance underscore the complexities involved in managing the pandemic’s ongoing impact and the continued effort to make vaccines available to the largest number of people possible.
