PASADENA, Calif.— The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) continues to recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccine, and those who meet the age requirements get the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. Vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and offer enhanced protection against community transmission.
PPHD’s recommendation aligns with official immunization guidance from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and West Coast Health Alliance. On September 17, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 144, requiring CDPH immunization guidance to follow evidence-based recommendations from leading medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). These recommendations align with the West Coast Health Alliance’s core principle of ensuring broad access to COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines.
“The Pasadena Public Health Department remains committed to science-based approaches that safeguard the health of our community,” said Manuel Carmona, Director of Public Health. “Getting vaccinated is safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses.”
COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility
Children:
- All children 6-23 months
- All children 2-18 years with risk factors or who have never been vaccinated
- All children with close contact with others with risk factors
- All children who choose protection
Adults:
- All adults aged 65 years or older
- All adults aged 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 individuals
Flu Vaccine Eligibility
Children:
- All children 6 months or older
Adults:
- All adults 18 years or older
Pregnancy:
- All planning, pregnant, postpartum, and lactating individuals
RSV Vaccine Eligibility
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:
- All individuals pregnant between 32-36 weeks gestational age
“Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness in our community and reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV.” said Dr. Parveen Kaur, Acting Health Officer. “As we enter respiratory virus season, we urge everyone eligible to stay up to date on these vaccines.”
Under AB 144, CDPH recommended vaccines will continue to be covered by health plans, including Medi-Cal plans and insurance companies, in most instances. If you have questions about coverage, check with your health plan or health insurer.
To schedule your vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or visit MyTurn.ca.gov.
For more information on immunization requirements and resources, visit CDPH's Public Health for All webpage.