Commonground
Senior Moderator
CDPH Issues Immunization Recommendations for 2026-27 Respiratory Virus Season
September 4, 2026CDPH and the West Coast Health Alliance reaffirm commitment to vaccine guidance, reflecting a broad consensus on the protective benefits of vaccines
What You Need to Know: California believes that immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus. Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness, community transmission and health care system strain.
Sacramento – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) are issuing immunization recommendations for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season. These recommendations are informed by trusted national medical organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP).
Immunization is the best protection available against respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seasonal immunization is also a critical public health tool to reduce serious illness including hospitalization and death, community transmission and health care systems strain. Our recommendations highlight the importance of protecting people most impacted by these respiratory viruses. This includes the youngest and oldest individuals in our states; other individuals at higher risk for complications, including people who are pregnant; individuals living in congregate settings; and those who live or work with people at higher risk. This season we have added an emphasis on the importance of protecting our healthcare workers from serious illness as they care for our communities.
“I am proud to work with our public health colleagues and immunization leaders in the other West Coast Health Alliance member states to update our recommendations and ensure our communities are well prepared and protected for the 2026-2027 respiratory virus season,” said Dr. Erica Pan, State Public Health Officer.
Californians can access COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines by contacting their health plan, health care provider, local public health clinic or federally qualified health center. They can also search for a clinic on My Turn, California’s Vaccine Scheduling & Information Site.
For up-to-date information on respiratory virus activity in California, see the CDPH Respiratory Viruses Hub.
Californians can access vaccine recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season (PDF)and other up to date recommendations on the CDPH Vaccines for All webpage. All vaccines recommended by the California Department of Public Health continue to be covered by health insurance regulated in California.
The West Coast Health Alliance is a partnership between California, Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington to ensure that public health recommendations are guided by safety, efficacy, transparency, access and trust.