Updated 10/15/2025
COVID-19, Flu, and RSV Vaccine Guidance for 2025–2026
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older who chooses protection receive the updated 2025–2026 COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.
The updated vaccines are designed to better match the variants currently circulating and provide stronger protection against severe illness. The vaccine is strongly recommended for individuals with certain health conditions. See Information on COVID-19 vaccine timing
While everyone is encouraged to stay up to date, the following groups are especially recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine because they are at higher risk for severe illness:
The updated vaccines are designed to better match the variants currently circulating and provide stronger protection against severe illness. The vaccine is strongly recommended for individuals with certain health conditions. See Information on COVID-19 vaccine timing
While everyone is encouraged to stay up to date, the following groups are especially recommended to receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine because they are at higher risk for severe illness:
- Children 6–23 months old
- Children and teens 2–18 years old who have medical risk factors or have never been vaccinated against COVID-19
- Children who live with or have close contact with people at higher risk
- Adults 65 years and older
- Adults 18–64 years with medical risk factors
- Adults who live with or care for people at higher risk
- People who are planning pregnancy, currently pregnant, postpartum, or breastfeeding
CDPH has also updated its recommendations for influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for the 2025–2026 season. See the table below for details on who should receive each vaccine.
Vaccine Recommendations for 2025-26 Season
| Age/Condition | COVID-19 | Influenza | RSV |
| Children |
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy |
|
|
|
| Adults |
|
|
|
Adapted from guidance issued by the West Coast Health Alliance
Vaccine Access and Coverage in California
- Cost-Sharing: Due to California state law (Assembly Bill 144, effective September 2025), most health care insurers regulated by the state must cover CDPH-recommended immunizations, including the COVID-19vaccine, with no cost-sharing to the patient.
- Availability: Vaccines are available at health care providers, local pharmacies, and other authorized vaccine providers.
- ACPHD is currently offering Flu and COVID-19 vaccines to persons with no insurance and whose insurance does not provide free coverage. Visit our Alameda County Community Vaccination Clinics calendar below to find a location near you
Alameda County is partnering with local organizations, including but not limited to: community- or faith-based organizations, advocacy groups, large employers, housing developments, encampments, or neighborhood groups that need an on-site vaccination clinic in order to equitably distribute vaccine amongst our residents.
By hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, you would need to:
Alameda County Mobile Vaccination Clinics Interest Form
By hosting a vaccination clinic at your location, you would need to:
- Provide adequate space for the event.
- Do targeted outreach to your community.
- Have 15 or more people interested in vaccinations.
Alameda County Mobile Vaccination Clinics Interest Form
The In-Home Vaccination program provides COVID-19 and Flu vaccinations to seniors (65 and over) and individuals who are home-bound or have mobility challenges. Caregivers or household members residing with the patients can receive the vaccines at the same appointment.
For Alameda County residents ages 5 and older
For Alameda County residents ages 5 and older
Where to get a Vaccine in Alameda County
Click on the individual calendar entries to view more information about the types of vaccines offered at each site.
- These ACPHD locations will provide free COVID/Flu vaccinations for people with Medi-Cal, Medicare, no-insurance, and people with insurance that does not cover the cost of vaccines. They will also provide free COVID/Flu vaccinations to people who have had difficulties accessing vaccines at pharmacies and health care facilities, regardless of insurance type (while supplies last).
- Appointments are encouraged if and when available.
- Please visit Vaccines.gov, contact your health care provider, or local pharmacy for additional vaccination sites.
Click on the clinic in calendar to find vaccines offered at each site or use the filter option to search by vaccine type. Call our Front Door line for assistance (510) 577-7080.
