News release
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health supports the California Department of Public Health’s immunization recommendations for the 2026-27 respiratory virus season and encourages people in Los Angeles County to use seasonal immunization as an important tool to protect themselves, their families and the broader community.
California’s recommendations, developed in collaboration with the West Coast Health Alliance, reflect a broad consensus among professional medical and public health organizations on the protective benefits of immunization against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus.
“Vaccines provide the best protection available against severe illness from respiratory viruses,” said the news release from the county. “Seasonal vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death, while also helping lessen community transmission and strain on the health care system.”
Public Health especially encourages people at increased risk of severe disease to follow current immunization recommendations and make a plan to get vaccinated as soon as possible. This includes infants and young children, older adults, pregnant persons, individuals with underlying conditions, and people living with or working with persons with high risk for severe disease.
“Respiratory viruses can cause serious illness, particularly among our most vulnerable residents,” Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said in the release. “As we enter the 2026-27 respiratory virus season, we encourage everyone in Los Angeles County to review the CDPH immunization recommendations for the 2025-27 respiratory season and speak with their health care provider about the immunizations that are appropriate for them and their loved ones. Staying up to date on immunizations is an important way to protect yourself and those around you.”
As of Sept. 17, 2025, California state law ensures immunizations recommended by CDPH will continue to be covered by health care insurers regulated by the State of California. Los Angeles County residents who have insurance should talk to their healthcare provider or check with their local pharmacy to obtain a vaccine.
Those who are uninsured or underinsured may be able to obtain COVID-19, influenza and RSV vaccines through local public health clinics, federally qualified health centers and other participating vaccination providers. To find a vaccine site near you, visit ph.lacounty.gov/vaccineclinics.
Public Health also encourages residents to take additional steps to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses, including staying home when sick, practicing good hand hygiene and considering masking in crowded indoor settings or when experiencing respiratory symptoms.
For the latest information on respiratory viruses, visit ph.lacounty.gov/acd/respiratory.htm.
