West Coast Health Alliance Unveils New Vaccine Guidelines: A Fresh Alternative to CDC Recommendations!

The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) was created in September 2025 in response to concerns about the CDC’s credibility. They recently shared guidance on vaccines for the upcoming winter season, focusing on COVID-19, flu, and RSV, with the aim to keep the public safe and well-informed.

The WCHA’s recommendations are based on insights from health experts, including epidemiologists and medical doctors. They reviewed guidelines from well-respected organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Here’s a breakdown of the WCHA’s vaccine recommendations:

• For Kids:

  • All children aged 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine.
  • Children younger than 8 months should have the RSV vaccine.
  • Children aged 8 to 19 months with certain risk factors should also get the RSV vaccine.
  • For COVID-19, children aged 6 to 23 months should be vaccinated, as well as kids aged 2 to 18 years with no prior vaccinations or who have risk factors.

• For Adults:

  • All adults are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine.
  • Adults aged 50 to 74 with risk factors and anyone aged 75 and older should receive the RSV vaccine.
  • Adults aged 19 to 65 should get the COVID-19 vaccine if they have risk factors or plan to be around those who do. Everyone aged 65 and older is advised to get vaccinated as well.

Pregnant individuals are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine, ideally between weeks 32 and 36 of their pregnancy.

WCHA believes in the effectiveness and safety of vaccines as a key means to protect against serious respiratory viruses.

Interestingly, the CDC has historically been the go-to source for vaccine guidelines. However, recent political influences have raised concerns about their recommendations. For example, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested changes that may undermine trust in vaccines.

In a related development, the FDA recently approved a COVID-19 booster but limited its recommendation to certain age groups and those with pre-existing conditions. This has implications for vaccine accessibility, especially in rural areas, further emphasizing the need for groups like WCHA to step in and provide guidance.

Dr. Erica Pan from the California Department of Public Health highlighted the importance of uniting public health and scientific communities to support informed choices.

By taking a proactive stance, the WCHA aims to help residents navigate these challenging times and ensure they have access to credible health information.

For further reading on the WCHA’s recommendations, visit the California Department of Public Health here.

References:

1. West Coast states form alliance for public health recommendations. AJMC. September 3, 2025. AJMC – West Coast Health Alliance
2. Following Trump’s politicization of the CDC, West Coast states issue recommendations. California Governor’s Office. Gov. Office
3. CDC immunization schedules. CDC. CDC Vaccines
4. Emergency use authorization. FDA. FDA

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