West Coast Health Alliance Issues Fall Vaccine Recommendations
A coalition of public health authorities from Washington, Oregon, California and Hawaii, called the West Coast Health Alliance, has released respiratory virus season vaccine recommendations, including flu vaccines for everyone six months and older, COVID-19 vaccines for children, pregnant people and adults 65 and older or at higher risk, and RSV vaccines for young children, older adults and pregnant people. CDC data show flu activity is still low but rising, with the highest activity on the West Coast. Washington's Department of Health notes flu and COVID-19 vaccines are generally covered by insurance including Medicare and Medicaid, and that Medicaid and CHIP enrollees can receive all ACIP-recommended vaccines at no cost. Washington also offers no-cost vaccine programs for uninsured children, teens and adults.