States Unite to Protect Vaccines: A Regional Health Partnership

On September 18, 2025, leaders from seven Northeastern states and New York City formally launched the Northeast Public Health Collaborative, a regional partnership designed to coordinate immunization policy, laboratory services, and emergency preparedness across state lines. The coalition lists New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and Rhode Island among its members and intends to pool expertise and resources to strengthen public health infrastructure.

The initiative arose after sweeping federal changes to vaccine advisory panels earlier in 2025, which included the replacement of long-standing experts on the national immunization committee; since then, states have sought to preserve evidence-based guidance and public confidence in vaccines. The collaborative has already discussed independent recommendations for COVID-19 immunization — including guidance for young children, higher-risk groups, and broad adult eligibility — and has set up working groups to evaluate vaccination strategy, surveillance data, and purchasing options.

Several member states have issued standing orders that permit pharmacists and other qualified clinicians to administer the 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine, and partners will coordinate laboratory capacity and workforce development to address staffing shortfalls. Meanwhile, a separate West Coast alliance has created parallel guidance, and Hawaii has joined that pact to align regional immunization advice.

While each jurisdiction will retain legal authority over its health rules, the collaborators expect that coordinated recommendations, shared data, and joint planning will improve preparedness for respiratory virus season and help ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments across communities. They also plan to monitor vaccine coverage and adjust guidance as new data emerge rapidly.