OLYMPIA, Wash. — Governor Jay Inslee has joined a western states work group that will independently review the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines that are approved by the FDA.
Oregon and Nevada are also joining the group first formed by California Governor Gavin Newsome.
Inslee says it will be made up of nationally recognized experts in immunization and public health.
Inslee told a news conference yesterday that concerns about possible political influence over the FDA and worries that many people will avoid a vaccine prompted him to join the group.
Meanwhile, the state health department reported one new positive coronavirus test in Whatcom County for Monday, the most recent data available.
Over the past week, the count is 40 positives, according to the state data dashboard.
Two patients were hospitalized for COVID-19 in Whatcom County over the past week, according to the risk assessment dashboard.