California aligns with Western states in new health alliance following CDC shakeup

CALIFORNIA – Governor Gavin Newsom announced September 4 that Hawaii has joined the newly formed West Coast Health Alliance alongside California, Oregon, and Washington, following the CDC’s recent reorganization.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert K. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday amid calls for his resignation.

Kennedy removed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for healthy children and pregnant women, limiting eligibility to high risk groups.

He defended his decision to fire 17 personnel in his department saying they failed in their responsibilities during COVID, when its policies destroyed small businesses, restricted civil liberties, closed schools, and caused generational harm.

According to Worldometer, the U.S., home to 4.2% of the world’s population, recorded about 1.2 million confirmed COVID-19 deaths – the highest total worldwide.

Hawaii had highest vaccination rates nationally

The West Coast Health Alliance says it will ensure public health policies in California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii are guided by scientists, clinicians, and public health leaders.

“Using science as our guiding star, Hawaii had the highest vaccination rate and lowest mortality rate of virtually any other state or region across the globe,” said Hawaii Governor Josh Green, M.D.

Hawaii led U.S. states in vaccination, with 92% of residents receiving at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and had the lowest per capita death rate nationally, at 148 deaths per 100,000 people.

Some countries, including New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, had lower COVID-19 mortality rates per capita.

As of April 2024, California reported a per capita death rate of 285 per 100,000 people, with approximately 85% of the population receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Four states will coordinate health guidelines

The four states will coordinate health guidelines by aligning immunization recommendations from national medical organizations. It says residents will have access to consistent, science-based recommendations despite changes in federal guidance.

The alliance will soon finalize principles to boost public confidence in vaccines and public health. Each state will pursue its own strategies, but shared principles will guide the partnership.