CA Issues Immunization Guidance for 2025-26 Respiratory Virus Season

This week, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced immunization recommendations in accordance with the West Coast Health Alliance partner states Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. This announcement follows the recent signing of the budget trailer bill, Assembly Bill 144, which ensures CDPH’s immunization recommendations are informed by evidence-based scientific recommendations from national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. AB 144 also ensures that immunizations recommended by CDPH will continue to be covered by health care insurers regulated by the State of California at no cost. CSAC joined a broad coalition in support of the immunization provisions included in AB 144.  

The immunization recommendations released this week are intended to keep those most at risk healthy during the 2025-26 respiratory virus season, and include vaccine recommendations for COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV): 

COVID-19 

• Children: All children 6-23 months; All children 2-18 years with risk factors or never vaccinated against COVID-19; All children with close contact with others with risk factors; All children who choose protection 
• Adults: All adults age 65 years or older; All adults ages 18-64 years with risk factors; All adults with close contact with others with risk factors; All adults who choose protection 
• Pregnancy: All planning, pregnant, postpartum, and lactating 

Influenza 

• Children: All children 6 months or older 
• Adults: All adults 18 years or older 
• Pregnancy: All planning, pregnant, postpartum, and lactating 

RSV 

• Children: All children 8 months or younger; All children 8-19 months with risk factors
• Adults: All adults 75 years or older; All adults 50-74 years with risk factors 
• Pregnancy: Pregnant between 32-36 weeks gestational age 

Additional information on the immunization recommendations and resources can be found at CDPH’s Public Health for All webpage.