October 01, 2025

California Approves Independent Vaccine Guidelines Law As Multi State Alliances Emerge [Podcast Episode #230]

12 minutes

California Passes Law Allowing State to Set Its Own Vaccine Guidance

In a landmark move, California has passed a new law (AB 144, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 17, 2025) that gives the state authority to establish its own vaccine schedules and related policies — rather than being bound by federal guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Here’s a breakdown of what the law does, why it was enacted, and how it fits into a broader trend among U.S. states.

Key Provisions of the Law

Some of the main changes under AB 144:

It establishes a baseline for vaccine coverage based on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations as of January 1, 2025.

It authorizes the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to modify or supplement those baseline recommendations, using guidance from independent medical organizations (like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, etc.).

It requires that state-regulated insurance plans (including Medi-Cal) cover vaccines that the state health department endorses under its guidance — meaning no copays for many Californians under those plans for state-recommended vaccines.

It gives CA authority to act more independently of federal advisory bodies when those are perceived by state leadership to be compromised or less trustworthy.

Why This Law Was Enacted

Several reasons motivated the push for this law:

Concerns over federal changes: The law reflects growing concern in California (and some other states) that recent shifts at the federal level — including reconstitution of advisory panels, changes in vaccine eligibility criteria, and what state officials view as politicization of public health — have undermined trust in the CDC’s recommendations...

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By Karen Thomas, Founder, CEO

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