Gov. Inslee announces partnership with western states to independently review COVID-19 vaccine

Gov. Jay Inslee announced a partnership with other western states to review the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines once they are FDA-approved.

The announcement was made in a Tuesday press conference.

The panel of experts was started last week by California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and will be made up of nationally recognized scientists who specialize in immunization and public health.

The pact includes Washington, California, Oregon and Nevada. Each state will appoint experts to join the work group.

Inslee said the group will add an additional level of scrutiny to the vaccine process.

“This in addition to the FDA should give the public high confidence,” Inslee said.

The panel will review available data concurrently with federal reviews, and publish a report as soon as possible after each vaccine is approved. Inslee said he anticipates the report could be published in just days.

Inslee said he hopes that this in addition to the FDA approval process will give the public enough of a level of comfort that they will take the vaccine once it is widely available.

Cox Media Group