Is it too early for a COVID-19 vaccine? Am I eligible to receive one? How are these decisions being made? It's been a particularly confusing time with varying guidance coming from the CDC, FDA, and states, say Rahmat Balogun , DO, MS, MPH, UC San Francisco associate professor, and Deborah Yokoe , MD, MPH, medical director UCSF Infection Control, who guide UCSF's COVID policy for the university's 50,000-plus employees.
They answer some common questions and help untangle the confusion regarding the timing and efficacy of the current vaccine.
Who is eligible for a COVID vaccine?
While early FDA guidelines restricted COVID vaccinations to older adults or those with preexisting conditions, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) went a different direction, recommending that everyone age 6 months or older have access to receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
And California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii formed the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA), explicitly to base guidance on trusted science and health organizations - such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians for COVID, influenza, and RSV immunizations.
California also recently passed legislation that requires all health plans regulated in California by the Department of Managed Care (CDPH), to cover immunizations recommended by CDPH. Health insurance groups have affirmed that they will continue COVID vaccine coverage. COVID vaccines will also continue to be covered by Medicare and Medi-Cal for the time being. Patients with private employer-based health plans or with Medicare Advantage plans should check with their individual plan about coverage.
What is the status of the COVID surge at this time?
Based on wastewater surveillance data, the summer COVID surge is beginning to taper off. We anticipate a winter surge peaking sometime between Nov. 1 and April 30, as we've seen in past years.
When is the best time to get a COVID vaccination?
Now, before the start of the respiratory virus season, is a great time to get your updated COVID vaccine and annual flu vaccine. Although the summer COVID surge is starting to decline, we expect to see another surge during the winter months.
Because the COVID virus constantly evolves into new subvariants, the 2025-26 COVID vaccine has been updated to provide better protection against the newest versions of the virus and is currently available, without a prescription, through pharmacies and is covered by most insurers.
Are there restrictions on who can get the COVID vaccine?
The CDPH and WCHA recommend COVID vaccines for people age 6 months and older. Getting a COVID vaccine is especially important for people who are at most risk for developing severe COVID infection, including children age 6 to 23 months, those age 65 or older, and anyone with a medical condition that increases their risk for severe COVID.
What are the current CDPH COVID vaccine recommendations for pregnant individuals?
CDPH and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend the COVID vaccine for all individuals who are contemplating becoming pregnant, who are pregnant, or who have recently been pregnant.
How soon after having COVID can I get a flu shot?
No waiting period is needed. COVID and flu vaccines can be given at the same time.
Should we be masking at this time?
Anybody can choose to wear a medical mask based on their own risk tolerance. UCSF Health will be requiring masking for employees providing direct patient care during the upcoming respiratory virus season starting Nov. 1, during the time period when we typically see increases in many respiratory illnesses, including COVID, influenza, and RSV.
