Health officials encourage vaccinations as part of fall and winter virus protection plan

San Mateo County, California – As respiratory virus season approaches, San Mateo County Health is strongly encouraging residents to follow updated vaccine recommendations issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. These guidelines are based on expert consensus from the West Coast Health Alliance, which includes California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii, and are supported by leading medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians.

San Mateo County Health is working with its regional, state, and local partners to ensure that residents are protected, especially those at higher risk of severe illness. The updated guidance outlines specific groups who should receive vaccines this season to help reduce the spread and complications of these respiratory illnesses.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

The CDPH has identified several categories of individuals who should receive updated vaccines based on age, health status, and exposure risk:

COVID-19:

• Children: All kids between 6 and 23 months; kids aged 2–18 years with underlying conditions or no prior vaccination; kids in close contact with those at risk; any child seeking added protection.

• Adults: Everyone aged 65 and older; adults aged 18–64 with risk factors; those with close contact with at-risk individuals; anyone choosing protection.

• Pregnancy: All individuals who are pregnant, postpartum, lactating, or planning to become pregnant.

Influenza:

• Children: All kids 6 months and older.

• Adults: All individuals aged 18 and up.

• Pregnancy: Recommended for all individuals who are pregnant or in related stages.

RSV:

• Children: All infants 8 months or younger; children between 8–19 months with medical risk factors.

• Adults: All adults 75 years or older; those aged 50–74 with underlying conditions.

• Pregnancy: Those who are 32–36 weeks pregnant.

“These vaccines are especially important to protect people who are most at risk for getting seriously sick, including young children, older adults and those who are pregnant,” said Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, San Mateo County health officer. “The CDPH recommendations are clear. In addition to the high-risk groups, everyone over 6 months who chooses protection from COVID-19 should get vaccinated.”

No Cost for Most Residents

Thanks to state regulations, the vaccines will continue to be fully covered by health insurance providers. Vaccines are available at many local pharmacies, healthcare providers, and authorized vaccination centers.

For those without insurance, San Mateo County Health is coordinating with community organizations to offer free COVID-19 and flu vaccines. Specific dates and locations will be announced soon. Residents can also reach out to the County Health Immunization Program at (650) 573-2877 to learn about upcoming vaccination events or resources in their area.

Where and How to Get Vaccinated

Although some vaccines may not be available at all locations immediately, availability is expected to increase steadily in the coming weeks. Residents are advised to check availability and schedule appointments by contacting their healthcare providers or visiting MyTurn.ca.gov.

The CDPH is also collaborating closely with healthcare systems and pharmacies to ensure that the latest vaccine guidelines are smoothly implemented statewide.

San Mateo County Health continues to prioritize access and equity in public health, emphasizing the importance of protecting the most vulnerable populations from seasonal illnesses through vaccination.