Northeast States Form Health Coalition to Counter Trump Administration Policies

New York, along with eight other Northeastern states, has created the Northeast Public Health Collaborative in response to the Trump administration's shifting health policies. This coalition aims to issue its own vaccine recommendations and coordinate public health efforts, diverging from the federal guidelines.

Key Actions of the New Health Coalition:

• Vaccine Recommendations: The group has already issued recommendations for the updated Covid-19 vaccine, advocating for its use in infants, toddlers, and adults over 19, a stance differing from current federal advice.
• Pharmacist Authorization: New York Governor Kathy Hochul previously authorized pharmacists to administer Covid-19 shots more broadly, defying federal restrictions.
• Joint Planning: The states plan to collaborate on various fronts such as preparing for the 2026 World Cup and working together on state laboratory services. They're also exploring joint vaccine procurement.

The Driving Force Behind the Coalition:

The creation of this coalition is a direct reaction to the policies enacted under the Trump administration. The appointment of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent vaccine skeptic, as Secretary of Health and Human Services, and subsequent changes to national vaccine policies, have been cited as major reasons for the states' actions. Experts express concerns that these policies endanger public health.

Divergence from Federal Guidelines

The coalition's vaccine recommendations differ significantly from updated federal guidelines, particularly concerning the Covid-19 vaccine for adults under 65 and healthy children. This highlights a major point of contention between the state coalition and the federal government.