Last updated: October 15, 2025

Looking for a vaccine appointment? Learn more. 

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine this fall?

Yes. In the State of California, anyone age six months or older is able to receive the annual seasonal COVID-19 vaccination. For the vast majority of patients, it will be fully covered by health insurance. They are available at many pharmacies and Public Health Clinics. You may be asked to attest to having a qualifying medical condition or consent to receiving the vaccine “off-label”.

Can I receive an off-label vaccine?

Healthcare providers commonly prescribe medications and vaccines off-label. It is a legal and standard part of medical practice. Under Assembly Bill 144, pharmacists in California are now able to administer COVID-19 vaccines to patients ages 3+ without a prescription.

Will my health insurance pay for my vaccine?

For the vast majority of patients, it will be fully covered by health insurance. Assembly Bill 114 ensures that California-regulated insurers, including Medi-Cal, will continue to cover vaccines. You can check with your insurance if the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine is covered for you.

What action did the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) take related to COVID-19 vaccines?

The FDA is the organization responsible for licensure of medications and medical products, such as vaccines. On August 27, 2025, the FDA licensed the 2025-26 seasonal COVID-19 vaccine for the following groups: 

• Ages 65+ years
• Ages 6 months-64 years with certain medical conditions

In response, California joined Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii to form the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA). Guided by leading medical associations, the WCHA recommended that anyone over 6 months may receive the COVID-19 vaccine, consistent with 2024–25 Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices guidelines. The California Department of Public Health affirmed these recommendations on September 17, 2025, the same day Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 144, requiring state-regulated insurers to cover vaccine costs.

Per the FDA, for what medical conditions is the COVID-19 vaccine licensed this year?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) webpage, Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19, shares a list of high-risk underlying conditions shown to increase one’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including heart disease, diabetes, mental health conditions, and others¹.

What do the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) committee recommend?

On September 19, 2025, the newly formed ACIP discussed COVID-19 vaccination. ACIP suggested COVID-19 vaccinations could be given through individual-based decision-making. (This is different from last year’s ACIP recommendation that COVID-19 vaccine should be given to everyone 6 months and older.) These ACIP recommendations were adopted by the acting CDC director on October 6.

What is County of SLO Public Health Department’s recommendation?

In the State of California, including SLO County, anyone age six months or older is recommended to receive the annual seasonal COVID-19 vaccination. These recommendations are based on scientific evidence and recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatricians, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. For the vast majority of patients, it will be fully covered by health insurance, and healthcare providers—including pharmacists and local health departments—will have liability protection from doing so, even without a prescription.

Please note: This information is subject to change as the situation evolves rapidly. Please stay tuned for updates.

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References:

¹ List of Underlying Conditions Associated with High Risk of Severe Outcomes from Infection with COVID-19:

• Blood disorders (including sickle cell disease, hemophilia)
• Cancer
• Cerebrovascular disease
• Chromosomal Disorders (including Down syndrome, Fragile X syndrome)
• Chronic liver disease
• Chronic lung disease (including asthma)
• Diabetes
• Heart disease (including heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy)
• HIV infection
• Immunosuppressive medications (including steroids)
• Kidney disease
• Mental health conditions
• Neurologic conditions (including dementia, epilepsy, Parkinson’s Disease)
• Obese or overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m²)
• Physically inactive
• Pregnancy
• Primary immunodeficiencies
• Smoking (past or current)
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
• Substance use disorders
• Tuberculosis infection
  
  Source: Underlying Conditions and the Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 | COVID-19 | CDC