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COVID-19

Family showing they've been vaccinated for COVID-19

​​COVID-19 

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Some people only get a little sick, but others can get very sick. COVID-19 has caused more than a million deaths in the US since emerging in 2019.    

COVID-19 typically affects the nose, mouth and lungs; the first symptoms can feel much like a cold or flu. Yet, COVID-19 can also cause pneumonia or complications in the heart, blood vessels, or other organs.    

COVID-19 vaccines help protect you from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or dying. The virus that causes COVID-19 can change over time. These changes create new versions of the virus that can make people sick again. Scientists update COVID-19 vaccines so they can better protect against these new versions.​​

For more information on COVID-19 vaccinations, visit the COVID-19 Vaccines page​.

For additional steps on how you can prevent respiratory viral illnesses, visit the CDPH How to stay healthy page. 

If you are feeling sick, visit the CDPH I'm feeling sick page.​

COVID-19 Complications 

COVID-19 illness can lead to ongoing complications after initial infection. Anyone infected with the virus is at risk. Complications include Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrom in Children (MIS-C) and Long COVID.

COVID-19 vaccination is the best tool to avoid future complications from COVID-19. For more information and resources on complications from COVID-19, see below.  

​Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS):   

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS) is a rare but serious illness that can happen after someone has had COVID-19.  

MIS usually shows up a few weeks after someone has had COVID-19.  

It is most common in children, but adults can get it too. When it happens in kids, it’s called MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children).  

MIS can cause:  

  • A high fever 
  • Swelling and inflammation in the body
  • Problems in different parts of the body, like the heart, lungs, or stomach  
  • Serious sickness that may need hospital care  ​

Staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations can help protect everyone. COVID-19 vaccinations can help protect against developing MIS.  

Post-COVID Conditions (Long Covid): ​ 

​Some people have symptoms that come back or last for weeks or months after having COVID-19. This condition goes by many names, including: 

  • Post-COVID Conditions 
  • Long COVID​ 
  • Long haul COVID 
  • Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) 

Anyone who had COVID-19 can develop a post-COVID condition. This includes people who had COVID-19 with no symptoms or very mild symptoms. There is still a lot we do not know about post-COVID conditions, and this is an area of active research. Talk to a medical provider if: 

  • You are living with a post-COVID condition 
  • You are having symptoms of post-COVID conditions 

Visit the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (A​STHO) Long COVID Resource Guide: Tools Plus Insights from State and Territorial Initiative page for important links to assist you in getting care and resources. Primary Care Clinicians should visit​ the Long COVID Resource Repository​ ​​​for further Long COVID resources.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), post-COVID conditions are considered a disability.  

COVID-19 Vaccines 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

​As of 9/16/2025:  

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) continues to recommend: 

  • Everyone aged 6 months and older have access to the vaccine 
  • The choice to receive COVID-19 vaccines  
  • Groups at higher risk (PDF)​ of severe illness should receive protection. These groups include:   
    • Infants and toddlers 
    • Pregnant people 
    • Older adults 

  • Others with risks of serio​​​us disease  ​  

CDPH is working with partners, including the West Coast Health Alliance​, to continue:  

  • Promoting vaccine access 
  • Provide science and fact-based information on vaccine safety and efficacy.  

​COVID-19 Vaccine Availability 

To learn more about scheduling your COVID-19 vaccine, check with your: 

  • Medical Provider’s office 
  • Local pharmacy 
  • Community health centers  

You can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the same visit.   

Resources 

CDPH 

American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG)​

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