California legislators recently announced the formation of the legislative Vaccine Work Group, which is developing cohesive and comprehensive evidence-based policies to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other diseases, while battling misinformation.

The founding members of the Vaccine Work Group include Senators Richard Pan, M.D., Scott Wiener and Josh Newman, as well as Assemblymembers Akilah Weber, M.D., Buffy Wicks, Cecilia Aguiar-Curry and Evan Low.

“Vaccines protect not only individuals but also whole communities when almost everyone is vaccinated at schools, workplaces and businesses, and safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines have already prevented the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Americans,” said Dr. Pan (D-Sacramento). “Public safety is a paramount duty of government, and I am proud to join a talented group of legislators in the pro-science Vaccine Work Group who want to end this disastrous pandemic and protect Californians from death and disability by preventable diseases.”

The Vaccine Work Group is examining data, hearing from experts and engaging stakeholders to determine the best approaches to promote vaccines that have been proven to reduce serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

“The current COVID-19 pandemic has brought devastating effects to every city, county and area of California,” said Dr. Weber (D-San Diego). “Our objectives are clear—we are prioritizing the health and safety of all Californians. I am looking forward to crafting legislation with my colleagues that acts to protect all populations across the state.”