La Vaccine Eligibility: Who Qualifies?

am i eligible for the vaccine los angeles

As of 2025, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older, including those who have previously been infected with COVID-19 or have received a previous vaccine. In Los Angeles, eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine has been expanded to include all residents aged 6 months and older. This expansion includes individuals with certain underlying health conditions, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and Type 2 diabetes mellitus, that increase the risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.

Characteristics Values
Age 16 and over
Health Conditions Pregnant, BMI of 40 or higher, cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic pulmonary disease, Down syndrome, compromised immune system, sickle cell disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies, Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Workplace Vaccinations provided in-store for employees of Vons, Pavilions, Sav-on, Costco, Ralphs
Vaccination Sites Hollywood Park lot adjacent to SoFi Stadium, Roybal Learning Center, Diego Rivera Learning Center
Contact Los Angeles County Department of Public Health call center: 833-540-0473

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Vaccine eligibility for pregnant people and those with a BMI of 40 or higher

As of March 15, 2021, Los Angeles County has expanded its vaccination eligibility to include people who are pregnant or have a BMI of 40 or higher. This expansion also includes those with certain disabilities or health conditions that increase their risk of severe illness or death from COVID-19, such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, and Type 2 diabetes.

Pregnant individuals in Los Angeles County are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. While there may not be extensive data to guide decision-making, both the CDC and ACOG agree that if pregnant, individuals may choose to be vaccinated. The OB/GYN group further advises that women who are actively trying to become pregnant should also get vaccinated. They suggest that the benefits of immunization outweigh any theoretical concerns about vaccine risks. However, they acknowledge that without sufficient data, the potential risks to both the pregnant individual and the fetus are unknown. Thus, it is recommended that pregnant individuals consult with a doctor to weigh the benefits against the possible risks, as this decision may vary from person to person.

For individuals with a BMI of 40 or higher in Los Angeles County, they are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Adults with a high BMI are at an increased risk of developing severe complications if they contract COVID-19. Additionally, in parts of California outside of Los Angeles County, such as San Francisco, vaccines have been made available to individuals considered obese, typically defined as having a BMI of 30 or higher.

It is important to note that vaccine eligibility in Los Angeles County and California as a whole has evolved over time. By April 15, 2021, California aimed to offer vaccines to virtually all residents aged 16 and over. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the latest official guidelines and sources for up-to-date information on vaccine eligibility criteria.

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Vaccine eligibility for children

In Los Angeles, vaccine eligibility for children depends on the type of vaccine and the child's age, location, lifestyle, travel schedule, health conditions, and previous vaccinations. Here is some information about vaccine eligibility for children in Los Angeles:

COVID-19 Vaccine

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health recommends that all individuals aged 6 months and older receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine is updated to protect against the latest strains of the virus, and priority is given to those at the highest risk, including infants, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions.

Routine Vaccinations for School and Childcare

California has specific vaccination requirements for children attending school and childcare. Parents should ensure their children are up to date on their routine vaccinations. The My Turn website provides information on the required vaccinations and allows parents to book appointments for their children.

Other Vaccines

In addition to COVID-19 and routine vaccinations, children in Los Angeles may be eligible for other vaccines based on their age and health conditions. For example, infants and young children may be eligible for the RSV vaccine, while older children may require the flu vaccine. Parents should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist to determine which vaccines are recommended for their children. Mobile teams are also available to administer selected vaccines, including COVID-19, at workplaces, organizations, or special events.

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Vaccine eligibility for those with certain disabilities or health conditions

As of June 2025, the CDC recommends a 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine for most adults aged 18 and older. This includes people who have previously been vaccinated, those who have had COVID-19, and those with long COVID. Getting vaccinated is especially important for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.

In Los Angeles, as of March 2021, vaccine eligibility had expanded to include residents aged 16 to 64 with certain disabilities or health conditions that put them at higher risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19. This included people who were pregnant or had BMIs of 40 or higher, cancer, chronic kidney disease of stage 4 or above, chronic pulmonary disease, Down syndrome, compromised immune systems from solid organ transplants, sickle cell disease, heart failure, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathies (excluding hypertension), and Type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalisation, and death, including against variants like Delta and Omicron. They underwent large-scale clinical trials to ensure safety, recruiting participants of different ages, races, and medical conditions. Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint pain, chills, and mild fever.

If you have specific health concerns or questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, it is recommended to consult your primary care provider for personalised advice and information.

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Workplace vaccinations

Mobile Vaccination Teams

Los Angeles County has deployed mobile teams that can administer COVID-19 vaccines at workplaces, organizations, or special events. This approach ensures convenient and efficient vaccination drives, bringing the vaccines directly to where people work or gather.

Industry-Specific Vaccination Sites

In some industries, employees may be vaccinated at dedicated sites specific to their line of work. For example, the Los Angeles Unified School District has established multiple vaccination sites exclusively for its employees. Similarly, certain grocery and pharmacy chains, such as Vons, Pavilions, Sav-on, Costco, and Ralphs, are providing in-store vaccinations for their employees.

Employer Communication

If you believe that you should be receiving the vaccine at your workplace or through employer-facilitated means, it is essential to communicate with your employer. They can provide you with specific details regarding the vaccination process and any arrangements they have made. Contacting your employer is the first step in understanding your options for workplace vaccinations.

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccines in Los Angeles County have evolved over time. Initially, the focus was on vulnerable populations, including individuals aged 16 to 64 with certain disabilities or specific underlying health conditions. Pregnant individuals and those with a BMI of 40 or higher were also prioritized. As vaccine supply increased, eligibility expanded to include all adults, and eventually, individuals aged 6 months and older.

Vaccine Safety and Effectiveness

The COVID-19 vaccines available in Los Angeles County, including Pfizer and Moderna, have undergone rigorous safety assessments by the FDA, the state of California, and qualified scientists. These vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death. While side effects may occur, they are generally mild and temporary, with benefits far outweighing the risks.

In summary, workplace vaccinations are a key component of Los Angeles County's strategy to vaccinate its residents against COVID-19. By offering vaccines directly at workplaces or through industry-specific arrangements, the county aims to increase vaccine accessibility and convenience for employees. Remember to stay informed about the latest recommendations and guidelines, as eligibility criteria and vaccination options may evolve over time.

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How to book a vaccine appointment

If you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Los Angeles, there are several ways to book an appointment.

Firstly, you can book an appointment online. The My Turn California Vaccine Scheduling & Information Site allows you to find a walk-in clinic and make an appointment. You can also use the site to access your digital vaccine record. Alternatively, you can visit the LA County COVID-19 Vaccine website to find information on how to get vaccinated at home. This site also includes an interactive dashboard with doses, maps, and demographics.

If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you can call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health call center at 833-540-0473 daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to find a vaccination site near you.

Depending on your industry, you may also be able to get vaccinated through your job or at special dedicated sites. For example, if you work at a Vons, Pavilions, Sav-on, Costco, or Ralphs with a pharmacy, you can receive your vaccination in-store. If you think you should be getting vaccinated at your workplace, contact your employer for more details.

Finally, mobile teams are available to administer selected vaccines, including COVID-19, at your workplace, organization, or special event.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as of March 2021, Los Angeles County has made vaccinations available to people who are pregnant.

The CDC recommends that parents of children aged 6 months to 17 years discuss the benefits of vaccination with a healthcare provider. The Pfizer vaccine is available in three doses for children aged 6 months to 4 years old.

Yes, the CDC recommends that most adults aged 18 and older get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine even if they have previously had COVID-19. If you have recently had COVID-19, you may want to wait three months before getting the vaccine.

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