On September 17, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) along with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D), Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson and Hawaii Gov. Josh Green of Hawaii announced coordinated winter virus vaccination recommendations through the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). These recommendations include the 2025–26 COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines. 
 
Also on September 17, Gov. Newsom signed AB 144, authorizing the state to base future immunization guidance on credible, independent medical organizations rather than the CDC's increasingly politicized Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.  

Also in California, on September 17, the Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced California Issues Respiratory Virus Immunization Guidance. This guidance includes the CDPH Immunization Recommendations, Coverage and Availability and Changes to State Law. For more information on immunization requirements and resources, visit CDPH's P​ublic Health for All webpage; ​​​​bookmark this webpage to stay informed on vaccines, screenings and preventive care updates. 

Also in California, on September 17, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) issued a letter to DHCS Stakeholders RE: Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines. 

Also in California, on September 17, the article titled "Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines per Assembly Bill 144 Requirements" was posted to the Medi-Cal News area on the Medi-Cal Provider website.  

Also in California, the Board of Pharmacy is releasing information to ensure licensees remain apprised of recent developments undertaken to uphold scientific integrity in public health.   

• On September 3, 2025, Governor Newsom announced that California, along with Oregon and Washington, launched a new West Coast Health Alliance to provide evidence-based unified recommendations for residents regarding who should receive immunizations. Hawaii also joined the alliance. The California Department of Public Health announced official immunization recommendations in accordance with this Alliance.   

• Recent enactment of Assembly Bill (AB) 144 (Budget Act of 2025) provides authority for pharmacists to independently initiate and administer an immunization that, on January 1, 2025, had in effect an ACIP recommendation and that are recommended by the California Department Public Health. AB 144 also contains provisions related to Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines and immunizations.  Learn more about Medi-Cal coverage of vaccines here.  

The Board also reminds pharmacists that Business and Professions Code section 4052(a)(11) currently provides a pharmacist with the authority to administer immunizations pursuant to a protocol with a prescriber.  

The Board will continue to release information as it becomes available, including any further changes to pharmacist authority related to vaccine administration. Thank you for your commitment to California patients.  

Also in California, the Department of Health Care Services posted the following:     

• September 2025 Pharmacy Medi-Cal Update Bulletin     

• September 2025 Durable Medical Equipment and Medical Services Medi-Cal Update Bulletin    

• Correction to CLIA-Waived Test Reimbursement for Pharmacy Providers  

Finally in California, the Department of Health Care Service posted the following alerts on the Medi-Cal Rx Web Portal.  

• Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines 

• 30-Day Countdown: Upcoming Policy Change to Medi-Cal Rx Physician Administered Drugs  

• Mass Adjustment for Retroactive Enrollment in a PACE Plan for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service January 2, 2025, through February 10, 2025 

• Update: Enhanced Security Protocols for Payment Information Disclosure 

• 30-Day Countdown: COB Billing Process Updates for Beneficiaries in Long Term Care Facilities 

• Coverage for Cell and Gene Therapy Access Model Medications 

• Changes to the Medi-Cal Rx CCS [California Children's Services] Panel Authority Policy Coverage 

• Maximum Allowable Ingredient Cost 30-Day Pharmacy Provider Notice 

• Reminder: Prescription Supplements Are Not Covered  

• Medi-Cal Rx Monthly Bulletin for September 

• Mass Adjustment for At-Home Supplemental Administration Fees for COVID-19 Vaccines for Impacted Claims with a Date of Service October 1, 2024, through April 18, 2025 

• Medi-Cal Rx ERA Display Formatting Error – Issue Resolved 

• Upcoming Changes to Medi-Cal Rx 

For more information, contact NACDS’ Sandra Guckian at 703-774-4801.