Vaccinations

Vaccinations can prevent you from getting and spreading serious and even deadly diseases.

Vaccinations are not only for children. Adults also need vaccinations as protection from some childhood vaccines can wear off over time. Depending on their age, job, lifestyle, travel or health conditions, adults may be at risk for certain vaccine-preventable diseases.

State public health officials want Californians to know that immunization is safe, effective, and the best protection available against COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, three viruses of concern. Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transmission and health care systems strain. 

West Coast Health Alliance

California belongs to the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) which was formed in September 2025 as a result of changes within the CDC and ACIP. This alliance is a partnership between California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington and provides public health recommendations guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access and trust.

California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the WCHA have released statewide vaccine recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season, informed by national medical professional organization guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP), American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA). Vaccines recommended by CDPH continue to be covered under AB 144 by California Health Plans, including Medi-Cal managed care plans. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has endorsed these recommendations.

2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Vaccine Recommendations in California

Key changes from last year’s vaccine recommendations include:

Extending the timeframe of eligibility for maternal RSV vaccine to March

Expanding the list of clinical conditions where RSV immunization is recommended for children 8-19 months entering their second RSV season

Recommending the newly FDA approved mRNA flu vaccine for older adults

Recommending COVID-19 vaccine for all healthcare workers.

Footnotes

[*] California Health & Safety Code (HSC) 120164 requires CDPH to publish its current immunization recommendations, and any updates, modifications or supplements.
[1] COVID-19 vaccine is available for persons 6 months and older.
[2] Two doses given at least 4 weeks apart are recommended for ages 6 months–8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time.
[3] Protect infants with either prenatal RSV vaccine or infant dose of nirsevimab or clesrovimab.
[4] RSV vaccination during pregnancy or for adults is currently recommended once rather than annually.

Influenza vaccine

Recommended for all persons 6 months and older.

Adults aged 65 years and older should preferentially receive an enhanced influenza vaccine (e.g., recombinant, adjuvanted, mRNA or high-dose influenza vaccines).

RSV immunization

Recommended for:

All adults aged 75 years and older who have not previously received an RSV vaccine dose (Abrysvo, Arexvy, mResvia)

Adults aged 50-74 years with underlying medical conditions that increase risk for severe RSV who have not previously received an RSV vaccine (Abrysvo, Arexvy, mResvia)

Pregnant persons at 32-36 weeks’ gestation during September 1st through March 1st (Abrysvo)

Infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during or are entering their first RSV season (October through March) (nirsevimab/Beyfortus or clesrovimab/Enflonsia)

Children aged 8-19 months at high risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season (October through March) (nirsevimab/Beyfortus)

COVID-19 vaccine

Recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older who choose to reduce risk of severe illness.

Prioritize vaccination for the following groups:

Adults aged 65 years and older

Persons who are planning pregnancy, pregnant or postpartum

Infants aged 6-23 months

Individuals aged 2-64 years of age with conditions that increase risk for severe disease

Individuals in close contact with others with risk factors

Healthcare workers

Special Considerations for Vaccinations *

Human papillomavirus vaccination (minimum age: 9 years)

Special situations

Immunocompromising conditions, including HIV infection: 3-dose series as above
History of sexual abuse or assault: Start at age 9 years
Pregnancy: HPV vaccination not recommended until after pregnancy; no intervention needed if vaccinated while pregnant; pregnancy testing not needed before vaccination
Pregnancy through age 26 years: HPV vaccination not recommended until after pregnancy; no intervention needed if vaccinated while pregnant; pregnancy testing not needed before vaccination.

Influenza vaccination (minimum age: 6 months [IIV], 2 years [LAIV], 18 years [recombinant influenza vaccine, RIV])

Special situations

Egg allergy, hives only: Any influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status annually
Egg allergy with symptoms other than hives (e.g., angioedema, respiratory distress, need for emergency medical services or epinephrine): Any influenza vaccine appropriate for age and health status annually in medical setting under supervision of health care provider who can recognize and manage severe allergic reactions
LAIV should not be used in persons with the following conditions or situations:
- History of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of any influenza vaccine or to any vaccine component (excluding egg, see details above)
- Receiving aspirin or salicylate-containing medications
- Age 2–4 years with history of asthma or wheezing
- Immunocompromised due to any cause (including medications and HIV infection)
- Anatomic or functional asplenia
- Cochlear implant
- Cerebrospinal fluid-oropharyngeal communication
- Close contacts or caregivers of severely immunosuppressed persons who require a protected environment
- Pregnancy
- Received influenza antiviral medications within the previous 48 hours*Please consult with your health care provider regarding special concerns.

Beach Cities Health District’s Advocacy Statement

Beach Cities Health District strongly recommends that health care providers, individuals, and families follow the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)-recommended vaccination schedules and avoid “alternative” vaccination schedules which often delay vaccinations and leave individuals susceptible to serious, preventable diseases.

Vaccines are an important public health measure to protect the health of not only yourself, but of your community. While Beach Cities Health District strongly recommends that health care providers, individuals, and families follow the ACIP-recommended vaccination schedules, the Health District recognizes that this is a personal choice for individuals and families. Please do your research, educate yourself and talk with your health care provider to find out which vaccines are recommended for you, or if you have any concerns.

Additional Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Vaccines & Immunizations
California Department of Public Health – Immunization Branch
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health – Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program