Trevor James
In California, COVID-19 vaccines are administered at retail pharmacies, clinics, and other locations such as doctor's offices. While the federal government no longer covers the cost of the vaccines, most people with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance will not have to pay out of pocket. It is not recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any of its ingredients. However, it is safe to receive different COVID-19 vaccines and co-administer other vaccines such as the seasonal influenza vaccine.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who should not get vaccinated? | People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredient in the vaccine |
| Who should not get the second dose of the Moderna vaccine? | Anyone who has had a severe allergic reaction to the first dose |
| Who should consult with a doctor before getting a COVID-19 shot? | Pregnant women, people who have had a severe allergic reaction to other vaccines or injections, immunocompromised people, people with moderate to severe illnesses |
| Where can you get vaccinated in California? | Retail pharmacies (Walgreens, Walmart, CVS), clinics, doctor's offices, Department of Veterans Affairs (for veterans) |
| What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine? | Sore arm, aches, fatigue, fever |
| What should you do if you have a fever on the day of your vaccine appointment? | Postpone the appointment until you have recovered |
| What is the cost of the vaccine in California? | Free for people with Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance; free or low-cost for children 18 and younger |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility in California
As of September 2025, COVID-19 cases are climbing across California, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved new COVID-19 vaccines with new limits on who can receive them. The latest vaccines target the LP.8.1 sublineage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which is expected to become the most common and fastest-growing variant.
Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine in California is currently limited to adults 65 and older. People aged 5 to 64 with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 are also eligible to receive the vaccine. This includes pregnant women, who are advised to consult with their doctor about their risk of COVID-19 and the potential benefits of vaccination.
For those who do not meet the eligibility criteria based on age or overall health, healthcare providers can provide COVID-19 vaccines "off-label". However, pharmacists' ability to provide off-label vaccines may be constrained, so individuals seeking off-label vaccination may need to consult a physician or healthcare provider.
In California, individuals with insurance can typically obtain the COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy or physician's office with coverage from their insurance company. Those without insurance may still be able to obtain the vaccine for free through federal programs such as Medicaid and Medicare.
It is important to note that individuals should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any ingredient in the vaccine. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction typically occur within a few minutes to an hour after vaccination and may include a sore arm, aches, fatigue, or fever.
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Severe allergic reactions to vaccines
In California, vaccine eligibility guidelines consider allergic reactions. For example, San Mateo County Health advises against vaccination for individuals who have had severe allergic reactions to other vaccines or injections, are immunocompromised, or have a moderate to severe illness.
The CDC provides recommendations for individuals with allergies who are considering COVID-19 vaccination. If an individual is allergic to any ingredients in the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG), the CDC advises against receiving those specific vaccines. However, they may still be eligible for the J&J/Janssen vaccine. Additionally, the CDC recommends against receiving a second dose of Pfizer or Moderna if an individual experienced a severe or immediate allergic reaction to the first dose.
It is important to note that individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to other exposures, such as food, pets, latex, or medications, can still receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, they may require additional monitoring after vaccination.
Several studies have been conducted to assess the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions. A study by Mass General Brigham examined employees with a history of severe allergic reactions and found that while they reported more symptoms after receiving mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, they were still able to complete the two-dose series without impeding completion. Another multi-hospital analysis of individuals who experienced allergic reactions to their first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose showed that all patients tolerated the second dose without complications.
In summary, while severe allergic reactions to vaccines are a concern, especially for individuals with a history of allergies, the available data and studies suggest that COVID-19 vaccines can be safely administered to most people, including those with allergies. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider and follow CDC guidelines to ensure the safest approach for each individual.
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California's vaccine requirements for schoolchildren
In California, schoolchildren are required to be vaccinated against several diseases before enrolling in school. The specific requirements may vary depending on the grade level and the child's age. Here is an overview of the vaccine requirements for schoolchildren in California:
Polio (OPV or IPV):
Schoolchildren need four doses of the polio vaccine, although three doses are acceptable if one of them was administered on or after the child's fourth birthday. Oral polio vaccine (OPV) doses given on or after April 1, 2016, do not count toward this requirement.
Hepatitis B:
California requires three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine for school admission, except for students entering the seventh grade.
Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR):
Schoolchildren need two doses of the MMR vaccine, both given after the child's first birthday.
Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis (Tdap):
California requires one dose of the Tdap vaccine, which is usually given as a whooping cough booster at 11 years of age or older.
Students in grades 7 through 12 must also meet the immunization requirements for grades TK through 12. California schools are responsible for checking the immunization records of all new student admissions from transitional kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade, as well as students advancing to 7th grade, to ensure they meet these requirements.
It is important to note that California, like other states, may grant exemptions from vaccine requirements for medical or religious reasons. However, in recent years, there has been a push to tighten the criteria for obtaining such exemptions due to concerns over declining vaccination rates and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Regarding allergies, the decision to vaccinate may depend on the specific circumstances. For COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer advises against vaccination if an individual has had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or any ingredient in the vaccine. In such cases, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider to assess the risks and benefits and explore alternative vaccine options if necessary.
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Where to get a COVID-19 vaccine in California
In California, COVID-19 vaccines are administered at retail pharmacies, including Walgreens, Walmart and CVS, as well as clinics and other locations, such as doctor's offices. You can use the federal government's website, Vaccines.gov, to search for vaccination sites by ZIP code. This information can also be retrieved by texting your ZIP code to 438829 or by calling 800-232-0233. You can also check with your primary care physician's office to see if COVID-19 vaccinations are offered. If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs offers COVID-19 vaccinations at VA facilities. Sign-ups can be made online or by calling 800-827-1000.
To schedule an appointment, go to the state's My Turn website or contact the department of public health's call center at 833-422-4255. The state of California is assembling a statewide COVID-19 vaccine notification system called MyTurn, which will offer online appointment scheduling notifications. San Mateo County Health also has a vaccine notification system in place, which notifies eligible residents of possible appointments.
It is important to note that COVID-19 vaccines, including their administration, are free. If any person or organization tries to charge you for a vaccine, you should contact the District Attorney's Office.
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COVID-19 vaccine scams in California
In California, individuals with severe allergic reactions to previous vaccine doses or ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine are advised against receiving the vaccine. However, those with other allergies should consult a doctor before deciding whether to vaccinate.
Amid the COVID-19 vaccine rollout in California, scammers have employed various tactics to exploit people's desperation for the vaccine. Here are some common COVID-19 vaccine scams in California that you should be aware of:
- Impersonation of State Officials: Scammers have impersonated state officials through calls, emails, texts, and social media messages. They may ask for personal information, such as your Social Security number, credit card details, or bank account information, claiming it is necessary for vaccine registration or early access. In reality, California is providing the vaccine to health care providers and long-term care residents first, and there is no need to provide such sensitive information. Always verify the sender's identity and never disclose personal details to unverified sources.
- Charging Money for the Vaccine: The federal government has prepaid for vaccines to be provided for free. Congress has also passed legislation to prevent insurers from charging consumers any fees related to the vaccine. If anyone attempts to charge you money to get on a list for the vaccine or to receive it early, it is a scam. Report such instances to the District Attorney's Office, as instructed by the California Department of Public Health.
- Vaccine Incentive Lottery Scams: California introduced a vaccine incentive lottery, offering cash prizes to encourage residents to get vaccinated. Scammers have exploited this program by contacting people and claiming they have won prizes. They may ask for bank information or fees to verify the winner's eligibility. Remember, the California Department of Public Health will notify winners officially and will not request bank details or payments. Report any suspected fraudulent activity related to the lottery by emailing [email protected] or calling the "Vax for the Win" incentives hotline at 1-833-993-3873.
- Fake Vaccination Sites: Be cautious when scheduling vaccine appointments online. Only use trusted websites, such as the federal government's Vaccines.gov website, to search for legitimate vaccination sites by ZIP code. Avoid websites or individuals offering appointments in exchange for personal information or money.
To protect yourself from scams, always verify the source of any communication claiming to be from a government agency or healthcare organization. Contact your local health department or visit their official websites for trusted information. Stay vigilant, and if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis to any of the ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get vaccinated.
You should not get the COVID-19 vaccine if you have had severe allergic reactions to other vaccines or injections.
It is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before getting the COVID-19 vaccine to assess your specific situation and determine if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.
