Get vaccinated against COVID-19

Update: October 2, 2023  

Updated 2023–24 COVID-19 vaccines have begun arriving in pharmacies and clinics, and they help protect against severe disease caused by current variants.  

This is the first year the federal government is not distributing the vaccines. As a result, the new system has created distribution and availability delays across the country, not just in San Francisco. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is working with manufacturers to get more vaccine delivered to providers and availability will continue to increase in the coming weeks. 

All San Franciscans 6 months and older are urged to receive this updated COVID-19 vaccine in alignment with CDC recommendations. 

If you previously received any COVID-19 vaccine, you should wait at least two months after your last COVID-19 vaccine before getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine. 

The vaccines will especially help protect those who are most at risk of developing severe flu or COVID-19 complications such as older adults, people who smoke, or anyone with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. COVID-19 vaccination also decreases the risk of long COVID which can cause prolonged symptoms. 

How to Access COVID-19 Vaccines 

COVID-19 vaccines are available at health care providers, pharmacies, and clinics. Vaccines will be covered through all health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal. For those with health insurance, your primary healthcare provider or local pharmacy is your first point of contact to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine.  

For adults without insurance, the federal Bridge Access Program provides no-cost COVID-19 vaccines. Many pharmacies participate in this program, so if you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the full cost of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, check with your local pharmacy to see if you can be vaccinated at no cost. A number of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community clinics also participate in this program.  

Check vaccines.gov for a map of locations that have the updated COVID-19 vaccine.