CDC Vaccines: Bay Area health experts relieved as West Coast Health Alliance issues independent guidelines

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — A federal CDC panel is meeting this week to review the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Some public health experts worry that it will restrict access to the vaccine.

Meanwhile, California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii formed the West Coast Health Alliance and rolled out their own recommendations for COVID-19, flu and RSV vaccines. They encourage COVID-19 shots for anyone six months and older who wants them.

Gov. Gavin Newsom also just signed Assembly Bill 144. The new law allows California to set its own vaccine schedules based on independent medical organizations and state health experts, rather than the CDC.

Many public health experts like Dr. Peter Chin-Hong with UCSF Health are relieved by the latest developments.

“I feel a little bit overjoyed, because I was feeling so anxious about all of the assaults that’s happening on vaccines,” Chin-Hong said.

MORE: California and other West Coast states break from CDC, issue independent vaccine guidelines

The governor’s new law gives the Golden State the power to set its own immunization schedules. It also requires insurers to pay for any authorized vaccinations.

“At least locally, I know the community, the people will be protected,” Chin-Hong said.

This comes at a time when Pres. Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. have replaced top CDC officials. Federal health agencies say children and adults under 65 don’t need a COVID shot.

There’s been a lot of confusion about vaccines because of the changing guidelines.

“It’s understandable that people are confused and worried. But that’s why California is doing what they are doing to make it very seamless,” Chin-Hong said.

MORE: CA lawmakers pass bill aimed at protecting state’s vaccine regulations from federal interference

Dr. Jake Scott is an infectious disease physician and a clinical associate professor with the Stanford School of Medicine. He says the new law offers critical support for health care providers and patients.

“This bill is really important as an important backstop to the dramatic changes that are taking place in the federal government,” Scott said.

Scott says patients’ lives are at stake, and they deserve care based on decades of research, not political appointees.

“This allows the California Department of Public Health to adopt the vaccine recommendations directly from established medical organizations without having to rely solely on CDC guidance. That’s very important to maintain access to vaccines, and making sure there’s no issues in term of insurance coverage,” Scott said.

Many public health experts say what’s happening with public health in California could offer others hope.

“We hope this will be a beacon for other states to follow suit in the future,” Chin-Hong said.