California is extending access to a free vaccine program that helps those without insurance get access to COVID-19 vaccines, just in time for the newest shot.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Bridge Access Program originally funded the vaccine effort, but it ended after federal funding ran out in late August.
What the program does
The CDC shut down the federal program early across the U.S, which meant people without insurance would have to pay up to $200 for updated protection.
The statewide version is expected to begin in October, according to a statement from the California Department of Public Health. The program will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for certain adults 19 years and older.
“Supplies in the program are anticipated to be available at least through the end of 2024,” a spokesperson wrote. “Adults who are uninsured or underinsured can contact their local health department for help finding vaccines at no cost.”
The California Bridge Access Program is expected to function the same as the federal version. ‘Underinsured’ is defined as:
- A person who has health insurance, but the insurance does not include any vaccines.
- A person whose insurance covers only selected vaccines.
- A person whose insurance does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines.
- A plan where a copay is required.
You won’t be eligible under the program if you’re insured through Medicaid or Medi-Cal because you can get vaccinated through them separately.
How to find the vaccines
You can look up providers near you through myturn.ca.gov.
If you think you’ll qualify for the free COVID-19 vaccine, select “No” for “does the patient have insurance” while making an appointment. My Turn will then show locations that have agreed to offer the vaccine at no cost.
If you’re searching for a walk-in location, look for clinics that have a “serves uninsured” tag.
If you’re homebound or have difficulty leaving your home, you can request an in-home vaccination in two ways: Call (833) 540-0473 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week or fill out an online request form available in multiple languages.
L.A. County Public Health also has a list of adult vaccine providers. You can learn more on the county public health website.
What about children?
Those 18 years and younger can still get free COVID-19 vaccines. The L.A. County Department of Public Health has a list of locations. It’s best to call ahead to make sure the updated vaccine is in stock.
About the new vaccines
If you’ve already had multiple COVID-19 vaccines, you may be wondering why you need another. There are a few reasons.
Protection decreases over time if you were vaccinated before. The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine also helps protect you from recent circulating virus variants.
Officials recommend everyone six months and up get the updated vaccine. The CDC especially recommends the new shot for those who are:
- over 65;
- at high risk for severe COVID-19;
- living in a long-term care facility; or
- are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.
If you recently had COVID-19, you can hold off on getting the new COVID-19 vaccine for three months.
