"As Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s dismantling of federal vaccine policy continues to roil the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some Democratic-led states have struck out on their own, setting up new systems to help them assess the science and maintain immunization access for their residents. This story was produced in partnership with KFF Health News. Four western states California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington are creating a collaborative aimed at preserving access to vaccines."
"Several northeast states are considering a similar alliance. New York's governor declared a "statewide disaster emergency" and issued an order that allows pharmacists to give the COVID vaccine without a prescription. Minnesota made a similar change, and Massachusetts is requiring insurance carriers to pay for vaccines recommended by its health department, not just those recommended by the CDC. The changes represent a huge shift in public health authority from the federal government to the states."
"Traditionally, states have looked to the CDC for expertise and guidance on public health issues not just vaccines but issues such as workplace safety, water fluoridation, vaping and sexually-transmitted diseases. Now, amid concerns that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy is undermining trust in vaccines and public health science, some states are charting new paths, seeking out new sources of scientific consensus and changing how they regulate insurance companies, prescribers and pharmacists."
Democratic-led states are creating new systems and alliances to preserve vaccine access and establish non-federal scientific guidance as federal vaccine policy is dismantled. Four western states—California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington—are forming a collaborative to maintain immunization access, while several northeastern states consider similar coalitions. New York and Minnesota have expanded pharmacists' authority to give COVID vaccines without prescriptions, and Massachusetts now requires insurers to cover vaccines recommended by the state health department. These moves shift public health authority toward states, prompt searches for alternative scientific consensus, and change regulation of insurers, prescribers and pharmacists.
Read at www.npr.org
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