Vaccines & Medi‑Cal Access
DHCS is committed to ensuring that all Medi‑Cal members have reliable access to recommended, medically necessary vaccines. As federal vaccine guidance evolves, DHCS and the broader state health system will act to preserve immunization coverage, particularly for children, teens and young adults, and other groups that have historically faced barriers to accessing care.
Notable Federal Actions
Below are key federal developments with implications for Medi‑Cal vaccine policy:
- CDC Updates Immunization Schedule for MMRV and COVID-19 Vaccines. On October 6, 2025, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the 2025 adult and child immunization schedules to reflect the September recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The COVID-19 vaccine is now listed under “shared clinical decision-making,” encouraging provider-patient discussions that prioritize people at higher risk for severe disease. The child schedule also reflects a shift to standalone varicella vaccination for toddlers, rather than the combined measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccination.
Actions California Is Taking to Protect Vaccine Access
California, DHCS, and other state agencies are taking the following steps preserve vaccine access for Medi‑Cal members:
Medi-Cal Coverage of Vaccines
- On September 17, 2025, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill (AB) 144 into law. The legislation requires state-regulated health plans — including Medi-Cal managed care plans (MCPs) — to continue covering vaccines recommended by the California Department of Public Health, ACIP, American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This includes vaccines provided through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program.
- Importantly, AB 144 allows Medi-Cal to cover childhood vaccines outside of the VFC program if recommended by any of the above organizations, even if not recommended by ACIP.
- Following the bill’s passage, DHCS issued a stakeholder letter and updated the Provider Manual to reaffirm access to routine vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, for all people age six months and older enrolled in Medi-Cal, regardless of federal ACIP recommendation.
- DHCS will issue an update to All Plan Letter (APL) 24-008: Immunization Requirements as soon as possible to clarify MCP requirements.
Formation of the West Coast Health Alliance
- On September 3, 2025, California joined Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii to form the West Coast Health Alliance — a multistate coalition committed to upholding science-based vaccine guidance.
Support & Resources for Medi-Cal Members
For Medi‑Cal members and families seeking vaccine information or help navigating benefits: