Western States Join Forces to Ensure Safety of COVID-19 Vaccine

SACRAMENTO — Washington, Oregon and Nevada, Oct. 27, have joined California’s COVID-19 Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, which will independently review the safety and efficacy of any vaccine approved by the FDA for distribution. The week of Oct. 19, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the panel made up of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health.

The Governors of Washington, Oregon and Nevada will identify public health experts to join California’s workgroup to guide the review of any vaccine approved by the FDA. While there is no proven vaccine for COVID-19 yet, these health experts will review any vaccine that receives federal approval and verify its safety before California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada will make the vaccine available to the public.

This is not the first time Western States have collaborated in response to COVID-19. In April, California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado and Nevada joined in a Western States Pact which shared a vision for fighting COVID-19 and reopening their economies.