Where can I get COVID vaccines in CA? Will my insurance cover them? What to know
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout in 2025 is shaping up to be significant different than in past years.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved updated vaccines under new guidelines, but the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to release its own recommendations on eligibility and insurance coverage.
Under the FDA’s guidance, eligible individuals can now get vaccinated at pharmacies, hospitals and clinics across California.
Here’s who qualifies and where to get the latest COVID vaccines in California:
Who can get new COVID vaccines in California?
In an Aug. 27 news release, Pfizer and BioNTech said the 2025-2026 vaccines were reformulated under FDA guidance to better target the SARS-CoV-2 sublineage LP.8.1 strain currently circulating.
According to the California Department of Public Health, officials expect LP.8.1 to become the most common and “fastest growing” COVID-19 variant.
Unlike past years, the new COVID vaccines are no longer available to everyone 6 months and older, according to the Pfizer news release.
The shot is available for adults 65 and older. People ages 5 to 64 who have health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness are also eligible to receive the vaccine.
Higher risk individuals include those with cancer, diabietes, heart conditions, mood disorders, obsesity and chronic lung, kidney and liver disease, according to the CDC.
Who should not get the new COVID vaccines?
According to Pfizer, you should not get the new COVID-19 vaccine if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any ingredient in the vaccine.
“A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to 1 hour after getting a dose,” Pfizer said. “For this reason, the vaccination provider may ask you or your child to stay at the place where you or your child received the vaccine for monitoring after vaccination.”
Signs of an allergic reaction can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling in the face and throat
- Eccelerated heartbeat
- Rash all over the body
- Dizziness and weakness
Vaccination “may not protect all people who receive the vaccine,” Pfizer said.
Will California have its own COVID vaccine requirements?
According to a news release from California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office, the states of California, Oregon and Washington are teaming up to create their own COVID vaccine guidelines.
Newsom, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek and Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said they’re doing this because of concerns over federal leadership, including recent firings at the Centers for Disease Control and actions by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
The new West Coast Alliance will work together to share clear information on when people should get vaccines and how effective they are.
The California Department of Public Health said everyone 6 months and older should have the choice to receive the new COVID vaccines.
“CDPH is working with partners, including the West Coast Health Alliance, to continue promoting vaccine access,” the state health agency said in a Sept. 3 news release. “We’ll also continue providing science and fact-based information on vaccine safety and efficacy.”
Where can I get the 2025 COVID vaccine in California?
According to Pfizer’s VaxAssist, the updated COVID-19 vaccines — including Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax — are now available by appointment across California at grocery stores, pharmacies and clinics.
Appointments can be scheduled online at locations including Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Safeway.
You can visit the VaxAssist website to find a nearby location and book your COVID vaccine appointment directly with participating providers.
Will my health insurance cover the COVID vaccine?
Though the CDC has yet to release its guidance on eligibility and insurance coverage for the 2025-2026 vaccines, many private insurers might still cover the vaccination costs for members, according to Walgreens.
“The COVID-19 vaccine is available at no cost through most insurance plans, including Medicare Part B,” CVS said on its website.
Can I get my flu shot at the same time?
As California settles into cold season, there are new vaccines to combat viral infections, including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus , according to doctors.
Health officials said it is safe to get your RSV, flu and COVID vaccines at the same time.
This story was originally published September 15, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Where can I get COVID vaccines in CA? Will my insurance cover them? What to know."
