California, Oregon, and Washington have announced the creation of a new West Coast Health Alliance.
States step in to protect science-based guidance
The move comes after growing concerns that the nation’s main public health agency has lost independence and credibility. Leaders of the three states said their partnership will ensure people continue to receive health guidance that is based on science, not politics.
The alliance will focus on vaccine safety and clear communication with residents. The three states will work together to provide unified recommendations on who should get vaccines and why they are important. By standing together, they hope to fill the gap left by the weakened federal system and prevent public confusion.
Health officials stressed that vaccines remain one of the most reliable tools in modern medicine. They said that when guidance is inconsistent or appears political, trust breaks down at the exact time it is needed most. The new partnership aims to restore confidence in vaccines by providing residents with evidence-based recommendations that are easy to understand.
Why the West Coast is acting now
For decades, the CDC was considered a trusted source for protecting people from dangerous diseases. But recent actions at the national level have created widespread worry. The removal of experienced health experts, reduced transparency, and a shift away from data-driven advice have left the public uncertain.
Without clear federal direction, vaccine makers struggle to plan production. Health care providers also find it harder to explain consistent care plans to patients. Families are left unsure about vaccine access and safety. Officials in California, Oregon, and Washington said this uncertainty puts lives at risk.
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The new alliance builds on several shared principles, including safety, transparency, trust, and access. Leaders say the partnership ensures that scientists and clinicians with years of experience guide health decisions. The three states will also align their immunization recommendations with respected medical organizations to maintain credibility.
Importantly, the states confirmed that Tribal sovereignty will be respected. Tribal governments will keep full authority over their own vaccine programs. At the same time, cooperation will continue so that all communities can access consistent, evidence-based health information.
How the alliance will work
The West Coast Health Alliance will coordinate recommendations so residents receive clear guidance, no matter where they live along the coast. Health officials said prevention remains the core mission: preventing illness, preventing the spread of disease, and preventing early deaths.
The alliance will also provide stronger communication around vaccines. Residents can expect messages that are transparent and science-based, rather than confusing or influenced by ideology. Officials emphasized that public health is about protecting lives through prevention, not about politics.
In the coming weeks, the three states will finalize a set of shared principles to strengthen vaccine confidence. While each state will continue to follow its own laws and community needs, the alliance ensures that the foundation of all decisions will be rooted in science.
Officials said they are standing firmly with trusted medical professionals and respected health organizations.
The decision to form this alliance is also a direct response to the removal of the CDC’s long-standing immunization advisory committee earlier this summer. Without that independent panel of experts, many states fear there is no longer a reliable national framework to follow. The alliance intends to fill this gap by providing consistent, science-led direction for its residents.
Health leaders warned that dismantling long-standing public health structures has created a dangerous vacuum. They said that if guidance is unclear, the entire health system struggles — from vaccine producers to clinics to families. By stepping in now, the West Coast states hope to ensure that people continue to have access to safe and trusted health advice.
