COVID-19 Information

Fall/Winter Respiratory Virus Season in Alameda County

Week of November 27, 2023

• Respiratory virus activity is increasing across the U.S., including in Alameda County. Now is a great time to get vaccinated for COVID-19, influenza (flu) and, for some people, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It’s OK to get these vaccines at the same time. 
  
  
• COVID-19 poses the greatest risk for severe disease to those over 65 years of age and persons with certain health issues, including pregnancy. But, anyone who gets COVID-19 can develop long COVID.   
  
  • We encourage everyone to stay up-to-date on vaccination, stay home and test for COVID-19 when sick, and seek treatment if testing positive. Information on antigen and PCR testing can be found here. 
  • Alameda County has no masking requirements for the general public at this time and continues to align with state COVID-19 masking guidance, except as required by local Order for Staff in patient care areas of Acute Care Hospitals, Psychiatric Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Dialysis Centers, and Infusion Centers. 
  • For added protection, consider masking in indoor public settings especially if you are at higher risk for severe disease (over 65 years of age and/or persons with certain health conditions). 
    
    
• The CDC recommends that EVERYONE ages 6 months and older get an updated COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months after their last dose. Novavax is only authorized for persons 12+. 
  • Most persons who have never been vaccinated only need one dose of Pfizer/Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or 2 doses of Novavax to be considered up-to-date.  
  • Children 6 months to 4 years of age who have never been vaccinated are still recommended to get either 2 or 3 doses COVID-19 vaccine. 
  • The new vaccine targets the XBB.1.5 variant, and the variants on the rise in the U.S. are descendants of XBB. 
    
    
• Almost everyone 6 months and older should get an annual influenza (flu) shot. Children 8 years and younger need 2 doses the first year they get the flu vaccine. Older adults, young children, pregnant persons and persons with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk for severe influenza disease.
   
• If you have insurance, including Medi-Cal, please contact your healthcare provider or pharmacy about COVID-19 and flu vaccines.  ACPHD will be able to offer COVID-19 AND flu vaccines to adults without insurance and adults whose insurance does not provide cost-free coverage. Visit our vaccine page or vaccines.gov (make sure to click “Bridge Access Program”) to find a location near you.
  
  
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can cause serious disease in infants and older adults. RSV vaccines are now authorized for adults 60 years and older and pregnant persons (to protect babies from RSV after birth). One dose of RSV antibodies is also available for babies whose mothers did not get the RSV vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about whether an RSV vaccine is right for you!