Washington’s Childhood Vaccine Recommendations Remain Unchanged
Seattle (Aug. 14, 2026) – Washington State Medical Association statement on childhood vaccine recommendations.
“Earlier this year, the Trump administration made sweeping revisions to childhood vaccination recommendations without following the established evidence-based process for developing new vaccine policy. While a federal court subsequently blocked those revisions, President Trump has now issued a new executive order seeking to revive and expand on that approach,” said Bridget Bush, MD, FASA, president of the Washington State Medical Association. “Like those earlier revisions, the changes in the president’s executive order are not based on current science and run counter to medical consensus. Worst of all, they will put our children at greater risk of vaccine-preventable diseases.
“As physicians, we cannot in good conscience recommend changes to the vaccine schedule that are not backed by scientific evidence. Here in Washington state, our Department of Health, in partnership with the four-state regional West Coast Health Alliance, is our recognized authority on vaccine recommendations. The alliance bases its recommendations on guidelines from trusted medical societies and health organizations representing millions of physicians and health care professionals, reflecting a broad consensus on the safety and benefits of recommended immunizations.
“Earlier this year, the Department of Health, in partnership with the West Coast Health Alliance, endorsed the childhood vaccine schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The alliance also endorsed maternal vaccines recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which recommends routine vaccination during pregnancy to protect pregnant people and infants from serious illness. Those recommendations remain in place for all Washingtonian families.
“Remember, if you have questions about vaccines or best practices for your family, talk with your physician or health care team.”
Bridget Bush, MD, FASA
President
Washington State Medical Association
* * *
For more information, contact:
Graham Short
WSMA Director of Communications
gfs@wsma.org / 206.329.6851 cell/text
About the Washington State Medical Association
The WSMA represents approximately 13,500 physicians, resident physicians, physician assistants, and medical students across all specialties and practice types in Washington state. The WSMA has advocated on behalf of the house of medicine for more than 135 years. Our vision is to make Washington state the best place to practice medicine and receive care.