Northern California COVID-19 Updates

COVID-19 Vaccines: FDA Approval and Boosters

Your health and safety remain our top priority. That’s why, as COVID-19 continues to spread, we want to help you stay informed about the best ways to protect yourself and those around you.

As you may have heard, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has fully approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 16 and older. This is great news because it confirms that the vaccine is safe and effective for reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. 

Additionally, a third dose is being recommended for ongoing protection against the virus for certain high-risk individuals or those with weakened immune systems. The additional dose has been authorized for Pfizer and Moderna, and a similar authorization is expected soon for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

The boosters will be available to the broader public beginning the week of Sept. 20, starting eight months after an individual’s second dose of the two-dose vaccines. Eligibility will be phased, with many health care providers, nursing home and long-term care residents, and other seniors among those who will likely be eligible first.

We encourage you to learn more about the recent FDA approval and boosters. We also invite you to talk with your provider if you have questions or think you’re eligible for a booster shot. While your provider will not be giving booster shots, there will be vaccination locations in your community. Go to My Turn - California COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling & Notifications or call 833-422-4255 to schedule a vaccine appointment. The number offers more than 250 languages.

Thank you for trusting us as your partner in health.