Protect Yourself and Your Family: Get Vaccinated
Dear Friend,
As we celebrate the holiday season and reflect on the past year, we have much to be thankful for. We’re thankful for the scientists who drew on years of research to combat COVID-19 and design and test some of the most effective vaccines that we’ve ever seen. We’re thankful for the doctors and nurses who are helping to administer vaccines to as many people as possible while continuing to care for the sick. And we continue to be thankful for all essential workers who take on high risk jobs to keep food on our tables and keep the economy going.
In the spirit of the holidays, I am asking each and every one of you to do your part. COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 5 and up, and boosters are available for all adults. Protect yourself, your family, your community, and get vaccinated. Vaccination is the key to a safe holiday season, and it’s key to ending the pandemic for all.
Vaccine Boosters Available for All Adults
Free COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now available for everyone 18 and older.
- If you got a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, get a booster shot after 6 months
- If you got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, get a booster shot after 2 months
Your booster shot can be a different vaccine brand than you received before, as long as you completed your original vaccination series (one dose of Johnson & Johnson or two doses of Pfizer or Moderna).
Check myturn.ca.gov or call the My Turn hotline at 1-833-422-4255 to book an appointment or find a walk-in site near you.
Vaccines Now Available for Children Ages 5 and Up
As parents of three young boys, Angela and I know that this pandemic has been especially hard on children. The good news is COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and are available for children ages 5 and up. Vaccination is key to freer, safer lives for our children. This means playdates with friends, holiday celebrations with grandparents, and relief for those with family members at higher risk.
Thankfully, our sons have now all been vaccinated, and we know that we’re sharing this moment of joy with millions of families across the country who are relieved that our children will be better protected against COVID-19.
Any Californian aged 5 and up can get vaccinated, for free. Your insurance or immigration status does not matter.
For additional information regarding COVID-19 vaccinations for children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has compiled a list of frequently asked questions which you can view here.
Updates on COVID-19 Variants
The California Department of Public Health has a fact sheet here with information on the Omicron variant and what steps the state is taking to respond.
As scientists continue to research this new strain, the best thing you can do to protect yourself is keep your vaccination up to date. Vaccination is our strongest defense against the emergence of new variants of COVID-19 that can prolong the pandemic.
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Again, I want to thank the Californians working on the frontlines to keep us safe and make the holiday season possible. I know I join millions of families in eagerly beginning to return to family traditions as we celebrate the holidays this year. And I want to wish you and your families a healthy and happy holiday season.
Please continue to stay safe,
Alex Padilla
United States Senator for California