There is a lot of information right now about which respiratory virus vaccines are available this season and who should receive them. So, if you are feeling confused, you are not alone.
Vaccines are one of the safest, most effective ways to protect your health and the health of your family and community by preventing serious illness before it starts.
CalPERS will continue to cover vaccines for COVID-19, RSV, and the flu to support its members in making the best health care decisions for themselves and their families.
What’s New (or Not So New) This Year?
COVID-19
COVID-19 activity is currently in the middle of a late-summer surge, with California rates among the highest in the nation and estimated to increase.
Currently, updated COVID vaccines for 2025-26 are available from Pfizer (for individuals 5 years and older), Moderna (6 months and older), and Novavax (12 years and older).
On August 27, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a change from its prior universal recommendation for COVID vaccination, restricting the labeling to adults over 65 years of age and those adults and children over 6 months who are at high risk for severe COVID disease.
Which CalPERS Members Are Eligible for the COVID Vaccine?
It is important to CalPERS to ensure that we continue to provide our members with evidence-based, preventive care.
To that end, CalPERS and its health plans and pharmacy benefits manager partners will continue to provide and cover the latest 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine for any CalPERS members aged 6 months and older who choose it, without cost sharing and without the recent FDA limitations. The universal recommendation is unchanged from last year. This is also consistent with the approach recommended by the West Coast Health Alliance (PDF).
Flu
The flu vaccine has been updated for the 2025-26 season, and is still recommended annually for everyone 6 months of age and older who does not have contraindications. It is currently available as a shot or nasal spray.
Recently the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to require flu or influenza vaccines be free of a preservative called thimerosal. The California Department of Public Health has stated that nearly all available flu vaccines are already thimerosal-free.
Updated flu vaccines are now available. For the best protection against the flu, the ideal time to get your flu shot is September or October.
RSV
Recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus or RSV have also not changed significantly this year. RSV is still recommended for three main groups of individuals:
- Infants — RSV vaccination is recommended for infants younger than 8 months of age who are born during their first RSV season (typically October through March) and who are not protected by maternal RSV vaccination; it is also recommended for older infants aged 8 to 19 months who are at high risk for severe RSV.
- Pregnant Individuals — RSV vaccination is recommended for individuals who are 32 to 36 weeks pregnant during the RSV season, which provides immunity for the baby as well. It is best received from September to January.
- Older Adults — A one-time RSV vaccination is recommended for all adults 75 years and older, and for those 50 to 74 years at high risk for severe RSV. If you’ve received an RSV vaccine, you do not need another one at this time.
How Do I Get My Vaccines?
You can get your vaccines with your health care provider or through an in-network pharmacy here in California. For the COVID-19 vaccination, pharmacies may ask for a self-attestation for a high-risk condition, or if not at high risk, they may ask for a provider prescription.
Please contact your health insurance plan if you encounter any difficulty in receiving the vaccine, or if you reside outside of California.