The Californer - California: Governor Newsom issues statement on Trump administration's vaccine schedule endangering the lives of infants and children

Trending...

~ SACRAMENTO - In a recent statement, Governor Gavin Newsom condemned the Trump administration's decision to downgrade certain childhood vaccine recommendations, stating that it endangers the lives of infants, children, and their caregivers. The move, according to Newsom, has nothing to do with science or informed choice but is instead an attempt to appease an anti-vaccine agenda pushed by RFK Jr. and his allies.

The governor strongly denounced this decision, stating that it goes against decades of medical expertise and puts ideology over evidence. He expressed concern for the real risks this could pose to infants and children.

California has been at the forefront of filling the gaps left by the Trump administration's retreat from responsible health care leadership. Last month, Governor Newsom announced the launch of the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX), a new initiative aimed at modernizing public health infrastructure and maintaining trust in science-driven decision-making.

More on The Californer

To lead this work, California has engaged some of the nation's most respected public health voices, including former Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Susan Monarez, former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry, and founder and CEO of Your Local Epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina.

In October, Governor Newsom joined 14 other governors in launching the Governors Public Health Alliance, a non-partisan hub that coordinates public health leadership across the country. This alliance helps strengthen emergency preparedness, improve communication, share data and expertise, and ensure states can respond quickly and consistently to emerging health threats.

Last year, California also joined forces with Oregon, Hawaii, and Washington in launching the West Coast Health Alliance. Through this partnership, these four states have coordinated health guidelines by aligning immunization recommendations based on respected national medical organizations. This allows residents to receive consistent and science-based recommendations regardless of shifting federal actions.

More on The Californer

In September 2025, Governor Newsom signed AB 144, authorizing California to base immunization guidance on credible and independent medical organizations rather than the CDC's increasingly politicized Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). On the same day, the West Coast Health Alliance announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations, including for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines for the 2025-2026 season.

In other news, one year after the devastating Los Angeles firestorms, California continues its all-of-government community recovery efforts. The state has collaborated with local partners to accelerate rebuilding and meet the needs of survivors. Governor Newsom announced appointments to key positions in various departments and also honored fallen CAL FIRE Riverside County Fire Apparatus Engineer Daniel Cook. The governor expressed his condolences and praised Cook for his service to his community with honor and integrity.

Filed Under: Government, State

0 Comments

Latest on The Californer