California’s recommendations depend on age, pregnancy and health history. Here’s how to check protection and find help with appointments and cost.
If your holiday plans include a baby, a pregnant relative or an older parent, checking vaccination records belongs on the to-do list. The protection each person needs may be different.
California’s October 29 reminder asks families to review flu, COVID-19 and RSV immunizations before gathering. It isn’t a recommendation for everyone to get three shots. Age, health conditions, pregnancy and previous doses all matter.
“Covid-19, flu and RSV can cause serious illness, particularly for infants, older adults and people with certain health conditions,” Dr. Erica Pan, director of the California Department of Public Health, said in the announcement.
Here’s what to check before booking.
Flu and COVID-19: start with this season’s doses
Flu: California recommends a flu vaccine every year for everyone six months and older, with rare exceptions. Babies younger than six months cannot receive it.
Some children ages six months through eight years need two doses, at least four weeks apart, depending on their vaccination history. Ask the pediatrician whether your child needs a second appointment.
Protection takes about two weeks to develop after vaccination. A shot the day before dinner with the family won’t provide immediate protection. CDC’s flu guidance explains why vaccination is needed each season.
COVID-19: California recommends the current vaccine for children ages 6–23 months, adults 65 and older, and people who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, have recently given birth or are breastfeeding.
Recommendations also include older children and younger adults with risk factors, people in close contact with someone at risk, and eligible people who choose protection.
Check how many doses are needed. Under California’s 2026–27 schedule, previously unvaccinated children ages 6–23 months need two doses. Adults 65 and older generally receive two seasonal doses six months apart. People with weakened immune systems should have their provider check the appropriate schedule.
Bring the dates of previous shots. If you’ve recently had COVID-19, ask about timing: CDPH says people may consider waiting three months after infection.
RSV: check age, pregnancy and previous protection
RSV, short for respiratory syncytial virus, can cause serious breathing illness, particularly in babies and older adults. The prevention options depend on who’s receiving them.
Older adults: CDPH recommends vaccination for everyone 75 and older and adults ages 50–74 at increased risk, including some people with chronic heart or lung disease or weakened immune systems.
RSV vaccination isn’t currently annual. If you’ve already received it, CDPH says you don’t need another dose at this time.
During pregnancy: Pfizer’s Abrysvo is the RSV vaccine approved for pregnancy. It helps protect the baby after birth.
It is given from 32 weeks through 36 weeks and six days of pregnancy. CDPH lists September through March as California’s seasonal window. Other RSV vaccine brands aren’t approved for pregnancy.
If you received Abrysvo during an earlier pregnancy, another maternal dose isn’t currently recommended. Ask your prenatal provider and the baby’s pediatrician about infant protection instead.
Babies and toddlers: The infant shot supplies ready-made antibodies that help prevent severe RSV illness. It isn’t a vaccine.
Most babies need either protection from vaccination during pregnancy or an infant antibody shot, rather than both. An antibody is recommended for eligible babies younger than eight months entering their first RSV season if their mother wasn’t vaccinated, her vaccination history is unknown or the baby was born less than two weeks after vaccination.
The infant products are nirsevimab and clesrovimab. Certain children ages 8–19 months at higher risk entering their second RSV season should receive nirsevimab. CDC’s infant guidance explains eligibility.
Where to get help with appointments and cost
With insurance: Ask your doctor’s office or pharmacy whether it has the right product for the patient’s age and accepts your plan. California requires state-regulated plans to cover CDPH-recommended immunizations; Medi-Cal also covers recommended vaccines.
Confirm where your plan covers vaccination and whether you’ll owe anything before booking. If you’re comparing coverage for next year, Parriva’s Covered California renewal guide explains other costs and network details to review.
Without insurance: Search My Turn or contact your local health department. Eligible children through age 18 can receive immunizations through participating Vaccines for Children providers. Uninsured or underinsured adults may qualify for free or low-cost services, but eligibility and available products vary.
In Los Angeles County, use the free and low-cost immunization directory or call 1-833-540-0473 for referrals. Confirm the specific shot, age eligibility, appointment requirements and total cost before going.
Eligible people can receive flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same visit. Tell the provider about previous serious vaccine reactions and relevant medical conditions.
When you call, have vaccination records handy. Ask which doses are due, whether another visit is needed and what the appointment will cost. Those answers can help you make a plan that fits your family’s needs.
