California Urges 2025-2026 COVID Shots for Everyone 6 Months and Older as Summer Surge Builds
Updated
Updated · Redheaded Blackbelt · Aug 25
California Urges 2025-2026 COVID Shots for Everyone 6 Months and Older as Summer Surge Builds
2 articles · Updated · Redheaded Blackbelt · Aug 25
Summary
California health officials urged residents to get the 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccine now, saying infections are already rising ahead of the usual summer and fall increase.
CDPH said seasonal surges have occurred every year since 2020, and late-summer peaks have exceeded winter peaks in each of the last 2 years.
People 65 and older and those who are immunocompromised are advised to receive 2 doses 6 months apart, while some young children may also need multiple doses.
Providers were told to keep administering the current vaccine through summer until the 2026-2027 shot arrives later this year, with most costs covered by insurance and free access available for eligible children.
CDPH also reiterated layered precautions—stay home when sick, wear N95 or KN95 masks, wash hands and improve ventilation—as schools reopen and respiratory viruses circulate.