Trevor James
California is charting its own course on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, siding with medical organizations that recommend vaccines for nearly everyone. The state has formed the West Coast Health Alliance with Oregon and Washington to provide unified vaccine recommendations amid growing tensions over federal immunization policies. California's move comes after U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial federal vaccine policy changes, including restricting COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk groups and limiting access for healthy children and pregnant women. While California is reviewing vaccine recommendations for adults and has not indicated any plans to force adults to vaccinate, it is taking a different approach from federal health authorities and prioritizing access to vaccines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| California's stance on COVID-19 vaccination | California is charting its own course by endorsing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from national medical professional organizations rather than federal health officials |
| Who does California side with? | Medical organizations that recommend vaccines for nearly everyone |
| Who does California not side with? | Federal health officials who have narrowed access to COVID shots |
| California's partners in developing its own vaccine guidelines | Oregon and Washington |
| Name of the partnership | West Coast Health Alliance |
| Reason for the partnership | To counter the politicization of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention |
| Who is California's current governor? | Gavin Newsom |
| California's COVID-19 vaccination rate | 14.8% of the state population is up to date on COVID vaccinations |
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What You'll Learn
California's COVID-19 rates are rising
There is no explicit mention of California wanting to force adults to vaccinate. However, California is taking a different approach to COVID-19 vaccines by endorsing recommendations from national medical professional organisations rather than federal health officials. This is due to the confusing and troubling restrictions that federal health officials have placed on COVID-19 vaccine access.
In August 2025, California had the highest COVID-19 rates in the Southwestern United States, with a positivity rate of 12.5%. Los Angeles County recorded the highest COVID levels in its wastewater since February, indicating a spike in infections. This surge is attributed to the highly contagious "Stratus" variant, which is spreading as students return to classrooms without updated COVID shots.
Central California is experiencing a similar surge, with test positivity rates reaching their highest in at least three years. San Joaquin County, in particular, has seen a spike in hospitalizations, although admission levels remain low. The state's health department has also detected the virus in wastewater, indicating an increase in infections over the past two months.
The rise in COVID-19 rates in California is concerning, and it remains to be seen whether this surge will surpass previous peaks. The state is taking its own approach to vaccine recommendations, and it is crucial that residents stay informed about the latest guidance and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their communities.
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California's vaccine guidelines
California has not expressed any desire to force adults to vaccinate. However, the state has taken steps to ensure that its residents have access to vaccines and credible information to make informed decisions about their health.
In response to concerns about the politicization of science and the narrowing of access to COVID-19 vaccines at the federal level, California has joined forces with Oregon and Washington to form the West Coast Health Alliance. This alliance aims to uphold scientific integrity and ensure that public health policies are informed by trusted scientists, clinicians, and other health leaders.
The formation of this alliance is a direct rebuke to changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). California, along with the other states in the alliance, has expressed concern about the firing of CDC Director Susan Monarez and the removal of members from the CDC's advisory committees by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist.
California is endorsing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from national medical professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, rather than solely relying on federal health officials. The state is committed to providing clear, evidence-based guidance to its residents and ensuring that vaccine recommendations are aligned with trusted medical professional organizations.
Regarding specific vaccine guidelines, California is reviewing the COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for adults provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians and will make its endorsements in late September. For children, the California Department of Public Health is endorsing the positions of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The department administers the Vaccines for Children Program via Medi-Cal and confirmed its plans to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to children in the state.
Overall, California is committed to ensuring that its residents have access to vaccines and that public health policies are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access, and trust. The state is working to provide consistent, science-based recommendations and uphold the integrity of scientific expertise in the face of concerns about the politicization of health agencies at the federal level.
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California's vaccine recommendations for adults
California has been taking steps to ensure its residents are vaccinated. The state has been endorsing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from national medical professional organisations rather than federal health officials. The state has also formed the West Coast Health Alliance with Oregon and Washington to make regional vaccine recommendations.
The California Immunization Coalition (CIC) provides resources and accurate information on immunisations for adults and seniors, including travel immunisations.
The state has also been administering COVID-19 vaccines to its residents. While the state initially prioritised vaccinating healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents, older adults have also been considered for inclusion in the priority groups.
In August 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorised updated COVID-19 shots for adults with underlying conditions. However, the CDC no longer recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for healthy children and pregnant people.
The California Department of Public Health has endorsed the American Academy of Pediatrics' (AAP) recommendations that children between the ages of 6 months and 2 years old should be immunised. The department also supports the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' (ACOG) recommendation that pregnant and lactating people should get vaccinated.
While there is no indication that California intends to force adults to vaccinate, the state is actively encouraging immunisations and endorsing recommendations from medical professionals.
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California's vaccine recommendations for children
California has chosen to endorse COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from national medical professional organisations rather than federal health officials. Typically, state public health departments would adopt vaccine recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the CDC has imposed confusing restrictions on COVID vaccine access, with the Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., replacing scientific experts on the advisory panel with vaccine sceptics.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all unvaccinated children aged 6 months and over get the COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a medical reason not to. This is because infants are hospitalised for COVID at similar rates to adults over 65, putting them at high risk. The AAP also recommends that children between 2 and 18 get the shot if they are at high risk of severe COVID or live with someone who is. The California Department of Public Health is endorsing this position and is still planning on offering the COVID-19 shot to children in the state.
The American Academy of Family Physicians has issued COVID vaccine recommendations for adults, advising all adults to get immunised. California will make its endorsements in late September.
In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, there are other immunisation recommendations for children and teens in California. Vaccines can help fight off diseases, but their effectiveness can wear off over time. Booster vaccines can help keep children and teens protected as they get older. Parents should talk to their child's healthcare provider to ensure their child is up to date on all recommended vaccines.
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California's stance on the CDC
California has historically adopted vaccine recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, recent changes at the federal level have led California to break from the CDC and chart its own course regarding COVID-19 vaccine guidelines.
The CDC has faced criticism for its handling of vaccine policy, particularly the removal of its advisory panel members and their replacement with vaccine skeptics, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These changes have resulted in unprecedented restrictions to COVID vaccine access, with the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) narrowing the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC's decision to stop recommending COVID-19 vaccines for healthy children, pregnant people, and healthy adults has been a point of contention.
In response, California has joined Oregon and Washington in creating the West Coast Health Alliance. This alliance aims to safeguard health policies and ensure that vaccine guidelines are driven by evidence-based recommendations from respected national medical organizations. The governors of these states have criticized the politicization of the CDC, arguing that the Trump administration's actions, including the mass firing of CDC scientists, pose a direct threat to public health.
California's public health officer, Dr. Erica Pan, has affirmed the state's commitment to aligning immunization recommendations with trusted medical professionals. The state's health department is endorsing positions from organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which diverge from federal guidance. California is taking a proactive approach to vaccine guidelines, prioritizing the health and safety of its residents while navigating the evolving landscape of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
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Frequently asked questions
No, California has not expressed any intention to force adults to vaccinate. In fact, California has criticised federal health agencies for restricting access to vaccines.
California has endorsed COVID-19 vaccine recommendations from national medical professional organisations rather than federal health officials. The state is developing its own vaccine guidelines, in collaboration with Oregon and Washington, to ensure residents "receive consistent, science-based recommendations they can rely on—regardless of shifting federal actions".
The American Academy of Family Physicians has recommended that all adults get immunised. California is reviewing this recommendation and will make its endorsements in late September.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all unvaccinated children ages 6 months and over get the COVID-19 vaccine, unless they have a medical reason they cannot get the shot. The California Department of Public Health is endorsing this position.
Some states, like Florida, have criticised vaccine mandates as "immoral" intrusions on people's rights and have moved to eliminate them. California has responded to these concerns by emphasising that its vaccine guidelines will be driven by evidence-based recommendations from trusted medical organisations.
