Pasadena Public Health Recommends COVID-19 Vaccine

PASADENA, Calif.- The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) continues to recommend everyone age 6 months and older receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine, in alignment with recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death, which is especially important for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and others at higher risk for severe illness.

"The Pasadena Public Health Department encourages everyone who is eligible to get their vaccine as soon as possible," said Acting Health Officer, Dr. Parveen Kaur. "Getting vaccinated enhances community protection against the spread of COVID-19, reducing the incidence of preventable severe illness, hospitalization, and possibly death."

If you are 65 years or older, you can receive your COVID-19 vaccine at your healthcare provider's office or a local pharmacy. Some pharmacies that offered COVID-19 vaccines in prior years may not offer the vaccine now, so make an appointment or call your pharmacy in advance to confirm that they offer the vaccine.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available for individuals six months and older who have a medical condition that increases the risk of severe COVID-19. If you are under 65 years old and have a health condition, take these steps to get a vaccine:

1. Contact your pharmacy to confirm they carry the vaccine and ask about their eligibility verification requirements.
2. Contact your healthcare provider to confirm they carry the vaccine and discuss your eligibility.
3. If your pharmacy requires a prescription and your healthcare provider does not offer the vaccine, request a COVID-19 vaccine prescription from your healthcare provider and take the prescription to your pharmacy.

As of June 6, 2025, the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control list of medical conditions that increase the risk for severe illness includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Asthma
• Blood cancers
• Cerebrovascular diseases
• Chronic kidney disease
• Some chronic lung diseases
• Some chronic liver diseases
• Cystic fibrosis
• Type 1 and 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Dementia
• Disabilities, including Down syndrome
• Heart conditions
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• Mood disorders, including depression and schizophrenia
• Obesity
• Parkinson's disease
• Physical inactivity
• Current or recent pregnancy
• Primary immunodeficiencies
• Current or former smoking
• Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant recipients
• Tuberculosis
• Use of immunosuppressive drugs

This is not an exhaustive list. Discuss other medical conditions with your healthcare provider to determine if you are eligible for the vaccine.

"We are fortunate to have a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine available to reduce the risk of severe illness," said Director of Public Health, Manuel Carmona. "We continue to work with state and public health partners to promote vaccine access to everyone age 6 months and older."

PPHD is working with the California Department of Public Health and other local public health departments to continue promoting vaccine access for everyone, including individuals who are under 65 years old who do not have a health condition and/or are uninsured or underinsured. Updates on vaccine accessibility will be shared as soon as more information becomes available.

PPHD encourages everyone to take proactive steps to protect their health and the health of those around them. In addition to getting vaccinated, protect yourself from illness by washing your hands often and wearing a well-fitted N95 mask. Protect others by covering your mouth when sneezing or coughing and staying home when feeling unwell. These simple steps can help ensure a safer and healthier community.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the California Department of Public Health website .