COVID-19 Vaccine Info Hub

Updated March 2023

Vaccine distribution: What you need to know

All California residents who are age 6 months or older are now eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. The CDC recommends that everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group:

Currently, the CDC recommends one updated COVID-19 booster dose for everyone 5 years and older, and for children 6 months to 4 years who completed the Moderna primary series. Multiple studies show that the updated bivalent COVID-19 booster works against highly contagious omicron subvariants, including XBB.1.5, as well as the original coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) strain.

See below for more information and follow the state’s progress on the California vaccine administration dashboard.

Vaccine news and information

Updated COVID-19 boosters target omicron subvariants, including XBB.1.5

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's (bivalent) boosters target omicron subvariants, including BA.4, BA.5 and XBB.1.5, and the original coronavirus strains. People 5 and older are eligible to receive a Pfizer bivalent booster and people 6 months and older are eligible to receive the Moderna bivalent booster. Both are authorized to be given at least two months after the second dose in a primary vaccine series or two months after someone’s last booster shot. Some experts recommend waiting three months after a COVID-19 illness to get the bivalent booster.

UCLA Health is offering bivalent booster appointments at several primary care clinics. Patients can directly schedule their booster appointment in myUCLAhealth. If your preferred bivalent booster appointment is not available in myUCLAhealth, you can make an appointment at a local pharmacy.

Kids 6 months to 5 years eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine:

The CDC recommends the COVID-19 vaccine for all children 6 months to 5 years. The FDA authorized both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for this age group.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that is authorized for children from 6 months through 4 years is delivered in three doses. The initial two doses are administered three weeks apart. The third dose is administered at least eight weeks after the second dose. You can review the Pfizer-BioNTech fact sheet here.

The Moderna vaccine that is authorized for kids 6 months through 5 years is delivered in two doses, one month apart. A third primary series dose may be administered at least one month after the second dose to immunocompromised individuals. You can review the Moderna fact sheet here.

Vaccine appointments for children 6 months to 5 years old can be scheduled via myUCLAhealth or by calling your child’s primary care clinic.

Novavax vaccine authorized by FDA for emergency use:

The FDA issued an emergency use authorization for the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted in July 2022. This authorization is specifically for unvaccinated adults who are 18 and older. The Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted is administered as a two-dose primary series, three weeks apart. You can view the Novavax fact sheet here, and see more information on the CDC website here.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines FDA approved:

In August 2021, the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine two-dose primary series for people 16 and older. They extended the full approval for adolescents 12 through 15 years old in July 2022. It is now known as Comirnaty.

In January 2022, the FDA granted full approval to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine two-dose primary series for people 18 and older. It is now known as Spikevax.

Lower doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna vaccine are still available to children ages 6 months and older under emergency use status.

When to consider Johnson & Johnson vaccine:

The CDC now advises that in most situations, the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are preferred over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine for both the initial vaccine series and booster dose due to the risk of serious adverse effects.

The CDC notes that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may be considered in some situations, including for people who:

  • Had a severe reaction after an mRNA vaccine dose or who have a severe allergy to an ingredient in the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines.
  • Would otherwise remain unvaccinated for COVID-19 due to limited access to the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines.
  • Want to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine despite safety concerns.

Learn more about the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.

Additional primary vaccine dose recommended for certain immunocompromised people

The CDC recommends that moderately or severely immunocompromised people aged 5 and older who are more susceptible to infection — and meet the following criteria —receive a third mRNA vaccine dose as part of their primary vaccine series.

  • In active cancer treatment for solid tumors or hematologic malignancies.
  • Received an organ transplant and are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
  • Received a stem cell transplant or CAR T-cell therapy within the last two years or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system.
  • Have moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency, such as DiGeorge syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome.
  • Have advanced or untreated HIV infection.
  • Undergoing active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that are immunosuppressive or immunomodulatory.

This additional vaccine dose is different than a booster. Immunocompromised people should follow booster guidance when eligible and reach out to their primary doctor with questions.

Access your COVID-19 Digital Vaccine Record

You can find your digital COVID-19 vaccine record within myUCLAhealth under COVID-19 Information or Immunizations. Within the myUCLAhealth (MyChart) app, you can find your digital record by clicking on the “My COVID Info” icon. If your vaccine info is missing in myUCLAhealth or incorrect, please let your primary care office know.

You can also request your record through the California Department of Public Health’s Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record website. Please note that UCLA Health has no control over the state vaccine record website. If you have any questions, please see their FAQ or call 833-422-4255.

Schedule your appointment

UCLA Health patients can now directly schedule their COVID-19 vaccine and booster appointments in myUCLAhealth by following the below steps.

  1. Login and select “Visits/Clinical Notes” from the top navigation, and then "Schedule an Appointment"
  2. Choose “COVID Vaccine” as the reason for your appointment
  3. Select whether this is your first dose, second dose or booster/supplemental dose appointment
  4. Answer a couple of questions related to the previous COVID-19 vaccine doses that you’ve received
  5. Choose the location, date and time that works for you
  6. Verify details and schedule

If you are scheduling an appointment for your child or someone else who you have proxy access for, select their name before you navigate to “Schedule an Appointment.”

Book outside of UCLA Health

Please click below to schedule a vaccination appointment through the state or your local public health department.