Health Officers from the thirteen Bay Area health jurisdictions advise the public to get vaccinated now to protect against flu and COVID-19. Updated fall 2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are now available in pharmacies and healthcare provider offices throughout the Bay Area.
Health Officers recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive an updated flu vaccine each year. Everyone 6 months and older living in California can also receive the updated fall 2025 COVID-19 vaccine. Health Officers from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma and the City of Berkeley want the Bay Area to know that these vaccines are safe and effective. Vaccines help people stay healthy and out of the hospital. The State of California provides science-based recommendations about who should be vaccinated to protect against respiratory viruses.
“Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can prevent hospitalization and death, especially for infants, young children, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions,” says Dr. Edward Moreno, Public Health Director and Health Officer for the County of Monterey.
Despite federal changes, the updated fall 2025 flu and COVID-19 vaccines are still free or low cost for people who live in California who have health insurance regulated by the State.
In addition to vaccines, the best defense against flu and COVID-19 begins with good prevention.
- Wash your hands regularly
- Wear a well-fitted mask while in crowded, indoor areas
- Stay home if you are sick
- Cover your cough and sneeze
For information about no-cost community flu vaccine clinics in Monterey County, visit www.mtyhd.org/flu.
For more information about fall and winter respiratory viruses, visit the County of Monterey Health Department’s website at
https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/health/diseases/fall-winter-respiratory-viruses