Western states’ health alliance moves to protect vaccine access in anticipation of Trump Administration recommendations

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION-TV) - It’s almost flu season and California has released new recommendations and changed state laws changing to counter-act recommendations from the federal government.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy recently dismissed all 17 members of the panel and replaced them with a group that includes some vaccine skeptics.

And now, California is updating laws to ensure pharmacies can give vaccines to anyone who qualifies under the state’s recommendation regardless of federal recommendations.

"Without getting too much political, we, you know, I think there's enough science behind, these vaccines that they do preventing less and they do prevent death. That's what we're trying to do in our community is to save lives," said Mahendra Poudel, MD with Salinas Valley Health.

California recommends the flu shot to everybody over 6 months old, RSV for people younger than 8 months or older than 75 years, and a Covid-19 shot for children between 6 months and 2 years, as well as people over 65.

This is part of the newly formed health alliance with Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii.

Those states have a big population, they incorporate a lot into the economy of the US, so I say if they find a meaning in doing this its for a reason”

Many pharmacies and free health clinics around the central coast are already stocked up and offering the flu shot.

"From the King City to Marina, all the way up to Castroville. There's no appointments. Just show up and get your vaccine," said Karen Smith with Monterey County.

The covid shot isn’t widely available yet, but pharmacies are expecting to receive those before the end of the month.

They say you can your shots all at once if you are under the qualifications… but its obviously up to you.

Some people I talked with - in favor of the flu vaccine - but still hesitant on covid.

“My husband’s in law enforcement, and he also chose not to receive the vaccine, and we’ve been fine, we take our vitamins, we take our proteins, we take care of ourselves. Your body will tell you," said Imelda Chavez of Salinas.

The federal vaccine panel is expected to make it’s own recommendations Friday.