Madison Clarke
As of May 13, 2022, all California residents aged 12 and older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, regardless of their county of residence. While there is no statewide mandate for vaccination, certain groups such as public school students aged 12-17 and employees in specific sectors are required to be vaccinated. California's vaccination efforts are coordinated by the California Department of Public Health, which provides information and appointment scheduling through the My Turn tool. The state also operates a COVID-19 hotline and various county public health departments to assist residents in accessing vaccines.
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective
As of 2025, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. While the situation is still uncertain, vaccination remains one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against illness. The 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for most adults aged 18 and older, including those who have previously been vaccinated or infected. This is because protection from the COVID-19 vaccine decreases over time, and the virus continues to evolve.
The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the live virus, so they cannot give you COVID-19. In most cases, side effects are mild and temporary, and may include muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever, or soreness at the injection site. However, as with any new medication, there is a small risk of an allergic reaction, so recipients are asked to remain for observation after receiving the vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It is particularly important for pregnant and breastfeeding people, as they are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications if they contract COVID-19. The vaccine has been well studied in pregnant people, and there have been no associated issues.
In addition to vaccination, it is recommended to practice safety measures such as social distancing, wearing masks in public, frequent hand washing, and staying home when sick.
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Vaccination requirements for school children
California has specific vaccination requirements for school children that must be adhered to. According to California law, all children enrolled in state schools, including both public and private institutions, are required to have certain immunizations as recommended by doctors. These vaccinations can be received at the time of enrolment if they have not already been administered.
It is important to note that California no longer permits personal belief exemptions for vaccinations. This means that children attending school in California must meet the state's vaccination requirements, regardless of their family's personal beliefs or opinions.
The state's vaccination rules for children are different from those that govern adults. The California Department of Health Care Services, which manages Medi-Cal, has confirmed that children and young adults are subject to different regulations. Under the federally mandated Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment benefit, Medi-Cal covers a comprehensive set of services for members under 21, including any additional immunizations and vaccines deemed medically necessary by a Medi-Cal provider.
While the specific vaccinations required for school children in California are not explicitly mentioned, it is safe to assume that they include standard immunizations such as those for measles, mumps, rubella, and polio, among others. These vaccinations are typically recommended by pediatricians and are often required for enrolment in schools across the United States.
In terms of the broader context of vaccinations in California, it is worth noting that the state has made significant efforts to ensure that its residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines. Individuals aged 16 and older are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines regardless of their residency or employment status within the state. Additionally, when scheduling appointments through the state's My Turn tool, individuals are not restricted to vaccination sites within their county of residence. This flexibility allows for greater accessibility and convenience in receiving vaccinations.
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Employer-mandated vaccinations
In California, employers can require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19, as long as they comply with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). This mandate must not be imposed on employees who object to the vaccine due to a disability or sincerely held religious belief. In such cases, the employer must engage in an interactive process with the employee to identify any reasonable accommodation that will allow the employee to continue working without being vaccinated.
However, employers may discipline employees who refuse to get vaccinated, absent a disability or sincerely held religious belief. If an employee has a legitimate need for a religion-based or disability-based accommodation, the employer must engage in a good-faith interactive dialogue about accommodating the employee. Failure to do so may violate state and federal laws.
It is important to note that the FAQs provided by the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) are just guidance and have not yet been tested in California courts. As such, employers considering mandated vaccinations are encouraged to proceed with caution and consult with legal counsel.
Additionally, employers cannot retaliate against employees for engaging in protected activity, such as opposing practices prohibited by the FEHA. For example, an employer may not retaliate against an employee who alleges that the employer's vaccination policy intentionally discriminates based on race, national origin, or another protected characteristic.
The issue of employer-mandated COVID-19 vaccinations has been a topic of concern for many employers, especially with the emergence of new variants. While employers can generally require vaccinations, they must navigate religious and disability accommodations, creating a complex situation that requires careful consideration and legal advice.
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Getting vaccinated in California
Scheduling an Appointment
The state of California offers a centralised system for booking vaccination appointments through the My Turn tool. This platform allows users to schedule appointments at various vaccination sites across the state. Notably, when booking through My Turn, you are not restricted to vaccination sites within your county of residence or employment. However, it is advisable to check the eligibility requirements of the county where the vaccination site is located, as some counties may have specific restrictions.
Walk-in Clinics
For those who prefer not to schedule an appointment, there are clinics that accept walk-in patients. Information about these clinics can be found through the My Turn tool or by contacting the relevant county's public health department.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance coverage can impact the ease of accessing vaccines. Individuals with private health insurance may have a smoother process compared to those on Medi-Cal, especially if CDC recommendations for adults change. Medi-Cal beneficiaries are advised to stay informed about any updates to their coverage and are encouraged to file "treatment authorisation" requests if they need a service that is not typically provided.
Vaccine Safety and Pregnancy
It is important to address concerns about vaccine safety, particularly for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the live virus, so they cannot cause you to contract COVID-19. While mild to moderate side effects may occur, such as muscle aches, tiredness, or fever, these typically last for a day or two. Pregnant individuals can still receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and vaccination during pregnancy can provide passive immunity to newborns, protecting them in their first few months of life.
Post-Vaccination Precautions
Even after being vaccinated, it is essential to continue practising safety measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, and following stay-at-home orders in your region. Additionally, it is recommended to use hand sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable, and you should stay at home if you are feeling unwell to prevent potentially spreading the virus to others.
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Medi-Cal and COVID-19 vaccines
California has taken several measures to ensure that Medi-Cal members have access to COVID-19 vaccines. Firstly, the state launched a $350 million incentive program to boost vaccination rates among its low-income residents enrolled in Medi-Cal, the federal health coverage program for over 70 million Americans. Despite these efforts, there is still a gap between the vaccination rates of Medi-Cal members and the general population, with only about 57% of Medi-Cal enrollees receiving at least one dose as of April 2022.
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) confirmed that children and young adults under 21 who are covered by Medi-Cal will have access to COVID-19 vaccines as medically necessary. However, the state agency could not provide the same assurance for those older than 21, stating that they would evaluate any changes to the nation's COVID vaccination recommendations and update Medi-Cal policies if necessary. Medi-Cal beneficiaries can file "treatment authorization" requests if they need services not currently provided by the program.
Medi-Cal members can receive COVID-19 vaccines at no cost and without providing information about their immigration status. The vaccines are safe and do not contain the live virus, so they cannot cause COVID-19. While side effects are typically mild and temporary, individuals may experience muscle aches, tiredness, headache, fever, or soreness at the injection site. Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals can also receive the COVID-19 vaccine, which offers protection against severe illness.
To schedule a vaccination appointment, Medi-Cal members can call California's COVID-19 hotline or their Primary Care Provider (PCP). They can also use the state's My Turn tool to find appointments across different counties without residency restrictions. San Francisco Health Plan (SFHP), a managed care plan for Medi-Cal COVID-19 vaccination, has achieved high vaccination rates, with nearly 77% of members ages five and older receiving at least one dose.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there is no state mandate that requires residents to be vaccinated. However, there are certain places and institutions that require vaccination. For example, California requires public school students aged 12-17 to be vaccinated to attend school. Additionally, employers in California can require their employees to be vaccinated, especially if they work in an office or similar environment.
Yes, employers must provide "reasonable accommodations" for people with disabilities or "sincerely held religious reasons" that prevent them from getting vaccinated. These accommodations could include working from home or other alternatives.
You can schedule a vaccination appointment through the state's My Turn tool. You don't need to be a resident or worker in the county where the vaccination site is based. California also has a COVID-19 hotline that can help you register for vaccine appointments: 833-422-4255.
