The big picture

COVID-19 vaccines remain recommended for most people, but access can feel uneven. Factors include shifting demand, staffing at pharmacies, supply fluctuations, and insurance/billing hurdles after federal purchase ended. Even when appointments seem scarce in certain neighborhoods or chains, shots are still available across California through a patchwork of pharmacies, medical practices, county clinics, and community health centers.

Who can still get a COVID-19 shot in California

Eligibility is broad. California generally follows CDC recommendations that everyone 6 months and older should receive the current-season COVID-19 vaccine, with extra doses for some higher‑risk groups. In periods of tight supply, local health departments and providers may prioritize those at greatest risk of severe illness.

Recommended to receive the current-season vaccine

• All people ages 6 months and older
• Children 6 months–4 years may need multiple doses (product-specific schedules)
• Adults 65 years and older (often recommended to receive an additional dose later in the season)
• People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised (may receive additional doses per clinical guidance)
• Pregnant people
• Residents of long-term care and congregate settings
• People with chronic conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 (for example, lung, heart, kidney disease; diabetes; obesity)
• Unvaccinated or undervaccinated individuals, including those who have not received an updated formulation

Your provider can advise on timing after a recent infection or prior vaccination, and whether an additional dose is appropriate based on age, pregnancy, or immune status.

Where to find a shot right now

Access varies by county and even by neighborhood. Try these options in order, and cast a wide net if your first choice is full:

• Vaccines.gov appointment finder: vaccines.gov (filter for COVID-19, enter your ZIP, and check availability across pharmacies and clinics)
• Pharmacy chains and grocers: Many locations continue to offer COVID-19 vaccines by appointment and sometimes walk-in. Check the websites of chains near you (e.g., CVS, Walgreens, Costco, Safeway/Albertsons, Walmart, local and independent pharmacies).
• Your doctor or pediatrician: Primary care offices, pediatric clinics, OB/GYN practices, and health systems often vaccinate their patients. Contact your provider portal or call their office.
• County public health clinics and pop-ups: Most California counties run standing vaccine clinics or hold periodic events. Search “[Your County] public health COVID vaccine clinic.”
• Community Health Centers (FQHCs): Sliding-scale or no-cost care sites usually keep vaccine stock and can serve uninsured and underinsured patients. Find sites via HRSA’s health center locator.
• University and school-based health centers: College/university clinics and some K–12 school health sites may vaccinate students and staff.
• Tribal and IHS clinics: American Indian/Alaska Native community members can check with tribal health or Indian Health Service facilities.

If one location is booked, try nearby ZIP codes, different chains, or county-run options. Availability can change daily as shipments arrive.

Cost and insurance: What to expect

• Private insurance (including employer plans and Covered California): Plans generally cover CDC-recommended COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to you when you use in-network providers. If you encounter a billing issue, ask the site to submit a preventive services claim and contact your insurer.
• Medi-Cal: COVID-19 vaccines are covered with no out-of-pocket cost.
• Medicare: Medicare typically covers recommended COVID-19 vaccines at no cost to beneficiaries.
• Uninsured/underinsured: Community health centers, county public health clinics, and select pharmacies often provide free or low-cost shots. Availability of federal support programs can change—check Vaccines.gov or call your local health department for current no-cost options in your area.

If you’re told there will be a charge, ask for clarification. You can request that the claim be processed as a preventive vaccine with $0 cost sharing, or ask for a list of no-cost sites from your insurer or county health department.

Recommended dosing and timing (confirm locally)

Details can vary by season and product. As a general framework based on CDC guidance through late 2024:

• Ages 6 months–4 years: Receive a multi‑dose series using the same brand when possible. Your pediatrician will advise the exact schedule.
• Ages 5–64 years: Typically 1 dose of the current-season formulation if previously vaccinated; those never vaccinated may need 1 or more doses depending on product.
• Ages 65+: Recommended to receive an additional dose later in the season (often at least 4–6 months after the first of the season), subject to current guidance.
• Moderately or severely immunocompromised: May receive additional doses and shorter intervals; follow specialist guidance.
• After a recent COVID-19 infection: You may consider waiting about 3 months from symptom onset or positive test; discuss timing with your clinician.
• Pregnancy: Vaccination is recommended during any trimester to help protect against severe illness.

Because formulations and schedules are updated periodically, always check current CDC/CDPH guidance or ask your provider.

How to book and what to bring

• Book online: Use Vaccines.gov or pharmacy websites. If online booking is unavailable, call the site.
• Bring: Photo ID, insurance or Medicare/Medi-Cal card (if you have one), and your vaccine card or a list of prior COVID-19 doses if available. Lack of an ID shouldn’t preclude vaccination at many public sites.
• Language/access needs: Ask for interpreter services or accessibility accommodations when booking.

If you’re turned away or can’t find an appointment

• Try a different pharmacy brand or location, and expand your search radius.
• Check county public health and community health centers for walk-in hours.
• Call your insurer for in-network sites with stock and same‑week availability.
• Dial 2‑1‑1 to connect with local resource navigators who can identify free or low‑cost clinics.
• Ask your provider to place you on a waitlist or notify you when shipments arrive.

Safety, side effects, and reporting

• Common effects: sore arm, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, fever/chills—usually mild and short‑lived.
• Seek care for chest pain, shortness of breath, severe or worsening symptoms, or allergic reactions.
• You or your provider can report adverse events to VAERS.

Key California resources

• Find appointments: vaccines.gov
• California Department of Public Health COVID-19: cdph.ca.gov
• County public health (search): “[Your County] public health COVID vaccine”
• Community health centers: findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov
• Coverage help (Covered California): coveredca.com