​​​​​​​​​​​Updates as of September 12, 2023:

• Aligned with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve and authorize updated 2023-2024 mRNA vaccines with the XBB.1.5 component,​​ and deauthorize the bivalent mRNA vaccines with the BA.4/BA.5 components.
  

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Getting vaccinated is the safest ​way to protect yourself against severe COVID-19

Receiving the COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19. The vaccine improves the chances of avoiding the worst outcomes of the infection such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Studies have shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of long COVID and reduces the severity of symptoms if a COVID-19 infection does occur. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccine. Find a vaccine clinic near you at MyTurn.ca.gov, or call (833) 422-4255. 

Who should get va​ccinated?

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccine. Those who are at highest risk of severe consequences of COVID-19 and should prioritize getting vaccinated include:

• Older adults 65+
  

• People who are pregnant

• People who are immunocompromised

• People with certain medical conditions such as a chronic disease or cancer

• People with disabilities

People who are more than 2 months out from their last dose of COVID-19 vaccine should get an updated vaccine to protect themselves (see additional information below for persons who have recently had a COVID-19 infection).

How many doses am ​I eligible for?

Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to receive at least 1 updated vaccine. Depending on your age and health conditions, you may be eligible for additional doses. You are most protected when you stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider or your local pharmacist if you have questions.

Which COVID-19 vaccine should I get?

• The updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for Fall 2023-2024 are recommended for everyone 6 months and older:

• Everyone 5 years of age and older is recommended for a single updated dose as long as it's been at least 2 months since the last dose.

• Unvaccinated infants and toddlers under 5 years of age are recommended for 2-3 updated doses, while those who have received prior doses are recommended for 1-2 additional doses

• Everyone 6 months of age and older who is immunocompromised may receive an additional updated doses

• While FDA is completing its review of the updated 2023-2024 Novavax vaccine, the original Novavax COVID-19 vaccine may continue to be used.

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if additional doses are recommended for you.

What should I expec​t from my COVID-19 vaccine appointment?

• The vaccine will be injected into the muscle of the upper arm or thigh.

• It is rare to experience severe health effects after COVID-19 vaccination. You may experience side effects like pain and swelling where the dose was given, headache, fatigue, and fever. These symptoms should go away in a few days.

• How should I hold my child during vaccination?​​
  
  

Parents and caregivers play an important role when children receive vaccines. A parent's embrace during vaccination may reduce the child's stress and help the healthcare provider more easily administer the doses. Learn more on the CDC website.

What safety monitoring hap​pens when COVID-19 vaccines are authorized?

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone and will continue to undergo the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. Vaccine safety events are monitored using several surveillance systems, including the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) and the Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD). Thanks to these platforms, we know that the vaccine is an incredibly safe way to protect adults and children against COVID-19.

All COVID-19 vaccines were built from decades of research and followed the same steps as other vaccines to ensure they were safe and effective before being made available to the public. No trial phases were skipped, and all phases were thoroughly evaluated to meet the high standards of safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality of the FDA.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine along with ot​her vaccines?

You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and all other age-appropriate vaccines, including flu vaccine, at the same visit.

Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine while ​I'm pregnant?

Yes. Growing  evidence confirms that COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both mother and baby. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. When you get vaccinated during pregnancy, the protection you receive from the vaccine is passed on to your baby.

Many recent studies found no differences in pregnancy rates among those who are vaccinated versus those who have not received the vaccine.

When should I get a COVID-19 vacc​ine if I recently had a COVID-19 infection?

Following infection, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine when symptoms are no longer present, generally about 10 days later, or you can choose to delay by three months.

Will I be charged for a COVID-​19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be covered through health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular healthcare providers.

The CDC's Bridge Access Program will provide limited quantities of COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured and underinsured adults through December 2024. The Vaccines For Chil dren (VFC) program is a federally funded program that provides vaccines at no cost to children (18 and younger) who might not otherwise be vaccinated because of inability to pay.

Make Your App​ointment Today

Have more questions? Talk to your doctor or a healthcare provider. Find a vaccine near you at MyTurn.ca.gov, or call (833) 422-4255.  ​