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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. 

  • The virus can cause mild to severe disease. 

  • It 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. It can also cause pneumonia or complications in the heart, blood vessels, or other organs.  

  • Vaccination for COVID-19 reduces the risk of serious illness, including hospitalization and death. SARS-CoV-2 mutates over time, resulting in viral variants that can reinfect humans. 

  • Scientists update COVID-19 vaccines to protect against these variants.  

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

For additional steps, visit the CDPH How to stay healthy. 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: 

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):   

MIS causes:  

  • Fever 
  • Inflammation 
  • Symptoms in multiple organs 
  • Serious illness requiring hospitalization ​

The disease can start several weeks as fever after COVID-19 infection. MIS is most common in children, but it can also occur in adults. In children it is known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). 

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 

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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