Respiratory Virus Vaccine Recommendations

Page last updated 10/30/2026.

_{The County of San Diego is dedicated to preventing
vaccine-preventable diseases by following the West
Coast Health Alliance’s (WCHA) recommendations for
vaccinations based on credible, transparent, and science-based
evidence.}

Vaccines are safe, effective, and the best way to protect against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, Influenza (flu), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Getting seasonal vaccines helps:

Prevent serious illness.
Slow the spread of viruses in the community.
Reduce stress on hospitals and clinics.

Current respiratory virus vaccine recommendations come from the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). WCHA endorses immunization guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Vaccine Integrity Project.

On this page: Vaccines recommendations for COVID-19, Flu, and RSV | Insurance Coverage | Resources

COVID-19

Children:
- All children 6-23 months.
- All children 2-18 years with risk factors or who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19.
- All children in close contact with others that have risk factors.
- All children whose caregivers choose to take steps to reduce their child's risk of severe illness.
Adults:
- All adults age 65 years or older.
- All adults younger than 65 years with risk factors.
- All adults in close contact with others that have risk factors.
- All adults who want to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Pregnancy: All planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum, and lactating.
Healthcare Workers: All.

Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines.

Top of Page

Influenza (Flu)

Everyone 6 months of age and older, in most cases, should get a flu vaccine every season. This includes:

Children: All children 6 months or older.
Adults: All adults 18 years or older.
Pregnancy: All planning pregnancy, pregnant, postpartum, and lactating.
Healthcare Workers: All.

Learn more about protecting yourself from the flu.

Top of Page

RSV

Children:
- All children younger than 8 months, that have not been previously immunized.
- All children 8-19 months with risk for severe disease factors.
Adults:
- All adults 75 years or older.
- All adults 50-74 years with risk factors.
Pregnancy: Pregnant between 32-36 weeks gestational age.
Healthcare Workers: All who meet criteria above.

Learn more about RSV Immunizations.

Top of Page

Insurance Coverage

Will 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 routine 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 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.
Who makes sure that state-regulated health plans are covering respiratory virus vaccines?
- 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.