The Pasadena Public Health Department on Tuesday, Sept. 23, reiterated its recommendation that everyone 6 months old and older receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccine and that those who meet the age requirements get the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.
It’s not a new message, but comes a day after President Donald Trump repeated discredited claims connecting vaccines to autism during a White House news conference alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“Vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and offer enhanced protection against community transmission,” the Pasadena Public Health Department said in a release.
The recommendations also come a week after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation requiring state immunization guidance follow evidence-based recommendations from medical organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the American Academy of Family Physicians.
“The Pasadena Public Health Department remains committed to science-based approaches that safeguard the health of our community,” Manuel Carmona, director of Public Health said in a statement. “Getting vaccinated is safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses.”
Under the legislation signed by Newsom, California Department of Public Health recommended vaccines continue to be covered by health plans, including Medi-Cal plans and insurance companies, in most instances.
“Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness in our community and reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV.” Dr. Parveen Kaur, acting health officer, said in a statement. “As we enter respiratory virus season, we urge everyone eligible to stay up to date on these vaccines.”
Pasadena Public Health provided the following information on vaccine eligibility:
COVID-19 vaccine
All children 6-23 monthsAll children 2-18 years with risk factors or who have never been vaccinatedAll children with close contact with others with risk factorsAll children who choose protectionAll adults aged 65All adults aged 18-64 years with risk factorsAll adults with close contact with others with risk factorsAll adults who choose protectionAll planning, pregnant, postpartum and lactating individuals
Flu vaccine
All children 6 months or olderAll adults 18 years or olderAll planning, pregnant, postpartum and lactating individuals
RSV vaccine
All children 8 months or youngerAll children 8-19 months with risk factorsAll adults 75 years or olderAll adults 50-74 years with risk factorsAll pregnant between 32-36 weeks gestational age
For more information, visit cdph.ca.gov.