The three West Coast states plus Hawaii that have formed a health alliance announced new vaccine recommendations for the respiratory virus season.
The new guidance goes further than federal recommendations by encouraging COVID-19 shots for anyone 6 months and older who wants them.
The move is the latest in a series of steps by Oregon and other Democratic-led states to chart their own course on immunization policy, particularly around COVID-19 vaccines, and safeguard vaccine access regardless of shifting federal policies.
The governors of Oregon, Washington, California and Hawaii said the coordinated vaccine recommendations are backed by national medical organizations and come ahead of the winter virus season.
“Our states are united in putting science, safety, and transparency first — and in protecting families with clear, credible vaccine guidance,” the governors said in a joint statement. “The West Coast Health Alliance stands united in protecting public health and always putting safety before politics.”
The new guidance recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for any adult, ages 18 to 64, who wants protection from COVID. It also specifically identifies adults who have risk factors and those “who are in close contact with others with risk factors.”
The states also recommend that children ages 6 months to 2 receive the shot, as well as those up to 18 years old who have underlying risk factors or haven’t received the vaccine before. The guidelines also include information about influenza and RSV shots.