Updates as of December 12, 2022:
- Aligned with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand emergency use authorization (EUA) of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines for children 6 months and older.
COVID-19 Vaccine Products:
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has full FDA approval for people aged 12 years and
older and EUA for people aged 6 months through 11 years.
2-dose series (two doses, given three to eight weeks apart and the Updated Bivalent Booster for
those aged 5 years and older).
3-dose series (two monovalent doses given three to eight weeks apart, a third dose of a bivalent vaccine given at least eight weeks later for those aged 6 months
through 4 years).
For information on Booster and Additional Doses, see Related Materials at the top of the page.
The Moderna vaccine has full FDA approval for people aged 18 years and older, and
EUA for people aged 6 months through 17 years.
2-dose series (two doses, given four to eight weeks apart and the Updated Bivalent Booster for those aged 6 months and
older).
For information on Booster and Additional Doses, see Related Materials at the top of the page.
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has EUA for people aged 18 years and older, with limited use.
- 1-dose series (one dose).
- In some limited situations, the J&J booster may be considered. For information on Booster and Additional Doses, see Related Materials at the top of the page.
Getting vaccinated is the safest way to protect against the worst outcomes of COVID-19
Since 2020, the virus that causes COVID-19 has caused millions of cases of severe illness, hospitalization, and death in the United States. Studies continue to show that vaccination lowers the risk of severe illness and of developing long COVID.
Vaccination is recommended for people aged 6 months+
The CDC recommends that all people aged 6 months and older stay up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine, by completing their primary series and most recent booster recommended to them. Children aged 6 months through 11 years can only receive an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) for their primary series. Children 12 through 17 years may receive an mRNA or a Novavax vaccine. Staying up to date remains the best way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19, including of our most vulnerable. Vaccinating children can help protect family members who are at higher risk for getting sick. Vaccination can help keep kids in school and safely participating in group activities.
It is your choice to get vaccinated. Your decisions will not change your standard medical care.
How many doses am I eligible for?
People are best protected when they stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination by receiving their primary series and the most recent booster dose recommended to them by the CDC. Find more information under Related Materials at the top of the page or see the COVID-19 Vaccine Timing (PDF) sheet.
Should I get a booster dose?
Yes! Based on the continued effectiveness of the vaccine to maintain strong immunity against severe illness and death, the FDA has authorized booster doses for eligible age groups. Find more information under Related Materials at the top of the page.
How to hold your child during vaccination.
Parents and caregivers play an important role when children receive vaccines. A parent's embrace during vaccination may reduce the child's stress and help healthcare provider more easily administer the doses. Learn more on the CDC Website.
What should I expect from my COVID-19 vaccine appointment?
- The vaccine will be injected into the muscle of the upper arm or thigh.
- People have rarely experienced severe health effects after COVID-19 vaccination. You may experience side effects like pain and swelling where the dose was given, or headache, fatigue, and fever. These symptoms should go away in a few days.
- Once vaccinated, you will be given your vaccine card that outlines what COVID-19 vaccine product you received, the date of vaccination, and the name of the site where the vaccine was given. Continue to bring that card with you during each of your COVID-19 vaccine appointments (to finish your primary series and receive your eligible booster doses). Keep it in a safe place, as proof of vaccination may be required in certain settings. Alternatively, create a Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record online through the California Immunization Registry.
- Finally, enroll in v-safe and share your experience on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe even though the vaccines were developed rapidly?
Yes! COVID-19 vaccines are undergoing the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. The mRNA vaccine is two years old, but the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine is over 20 years old. The Novavax vaccine was made using traditional protein-based technology that has been in use for over 30 years. All trial phases for the COVID-19 vaccines followed traditional trial phases and the number of patients in these clinical trials was similar to previous vaccine trials.
Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine along with other vaccines?
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a flu vaccine, at the same visit.
Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine while I'm pregnant?
Yes. Growing evidence confirms that COVID-19 vaccination before and during pregnancy is safe, effective, and beneficial to both mother and baby. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future. Many recent studies found no differences in pregnancy rates among people who are vaccinated versus people who have not received the vaccine.
Should I get a COVID-19 vaccine even if I recently had a COVID-19 infection?
Yes. Getting a COVID-19 vaccination is a safer and more dependable way to build immunity to COVID-19. The vaccine improves the chances of avoiding the worst outcomes of the virus such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Studies have shown that the vaccine can reduce the risk of long COVID and reduces the severity of symptoms if a COVID-19 infection does occur. Following infection, people can receive a COVID-19 vaccine or booster dose when there are no more symptoms, generally about 10 days, or they can choose to delay by three months.
Make Your Appointment Today
Have more questions? Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Find a vaccine or walk-in clinic near you at MyTurn.ca.gov, or call (833) 422-4255.