Frequently Asked Questions About Respiratory Virus Vaccines 

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• What are the 2025–26 Respiratory Vaccine Recommendations?
  • See the Respiratory Viruses Vaccine Recommendations webpage, CDPH’s Public Health For All webpage, or 2025-26 Respiratory Vaccine Recommendations printable PDF to learn more about who should get COVID-19, flu (influenza), and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccines.
• How is the new law (SB144) impacting California’s immunization policies?
  • Insurance coverage: Vaccines will continue to be covered by health care insurers regulated by the Department of Managed Health Care.   
  • Liability coverage: Healthcare providers who administer vaccines recommended by CDPH are protected from liability.
  • Pharmacist vaccination: Pharmacists can administer immunizations recommended by CDPH to patients three years and older without a prescription from a physician.  

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• Who should get COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines?
  • COVID-19
    • Children 6-23 months.
    • Children 2-18 years with risk factors or who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19.
    • Adults younger than 65 years with risk factors.
    • Adults 65 years or older.
    • All planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, postpartum, and lactating.
    • All who are in close contact with others with risk factors.
    • All who choose protection.
  • Flu
    • Everyone 6 months of age and older, including:
      • Children 6 months or older.
      • Adults 18 years or older.
      • All planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, postpartum, and lactating.
  • RSV
    • Children younger than 8 months.
    • Children 8-19 months with risk factors.
    • Adults 50-74 years with risk factors.
    • Adults 75 years or older.
    • People who are 32-36 weeks pregnant.
  • See the Respiratory Viruses Vaccine Recommendations webpage, CDPH’s Public Health For All webpage, or 2025-26 Respiratory Vaccine Recommendations printable PDF.
• Should pregnant patients be encouraged to get COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines?
  • Yes. Pregnant patients should be immunized against these major respiratory diseases.
  • See the Respiratory Viruses Vaccine Recommendations webpage, CDPH’s Public Health For All webpage, or 2025-26 Respiratory Vaccine Recommendations printable PDF.
• Can I still get the COVID-19 vaccine even if the FDA is not recommending it for me?
  • Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine continues to be available in California. The CDPH recommends vaccination for persons 6 months and older.
• Are respiratory virus vaccines safe and effective?
  • Yes. These vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect against COVID-19, the flu, and RSV. Getting seasonal vaccines help:
    • Prevent serious illness.
    • Slow the spread of viruses in the community.
    • Reduce stress on hospitals and clinics.
• Where can I get my COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines?
  • You can get COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines from:
    • Healthcare providers,
    • Local pharmacies,
    • Community health centers,
    • County Public Health Centers, and
    • Other authorized vaccine providers.
  • See the Getting Your Vaccines webpage for more information on where to get vaccinated.
• Do pharmacies have to carry these vaccines?
  • Many pharmacies offer COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other vaccines, but pharmacies are not required to carry them.
  • Check with your local pharmacy or visit MyTurn.ca.gov to find available vaccines near you. ​

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• Will my COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines be covered by my health insurance?
  • Yes. By law, state-regulated health plans and insurance companies must continue covering regular immunizations recommended by CDPH at no cost. This includes flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Insurers not regulated by California, such as the Veterans Administration and Medicare plans, along with self-insurance plans regulated by federal ERISA law, may not cover vaccinations that are not recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Check with your health plan or health insurer if you have questions about coverage.   
• Will my COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines be covered by Medi-Cal?
  • Yes. By law, COVID-19, influenza, and RSV vaccines must be covered by Medi-Cal at no cost.
• Are updated 2025-26 vaccines available? Are they also covered?
  • Yes. Updated 2025-26 COVID-19 and influenza vaccine are available and covered. RSV vaccines are also covered. Additional doses will continue to be available throughout the fall.
• Who makes sure that state-regulated health plans are covering respiratory virus vaccines for people?
  • The California Department of Managed Health Care​ and the California Department of Insurance regulate health insurance coverage in California.
  • The California Department of Health Care Services share this responsibility for health insurance plans participating in the Medi-Cal program.
  • For questions, contact the Department of Managed Healthcare toll free at 1-888-466-2219.
• Will Vaccines for Children (VFC) cover the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine?
  • The timing of availability for 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccines through VFC awaits the ratification of recent recommendations from ACIP by CDC or US HHS leadership.