All adults.

California says all adults can get boosters, but appointments still aren't bookable in many cases

Amy Graff

California health officials are encouraging any adult who wants a COVID-19 booster shot to get one, yet online booking systems for securing appointments have not caught up with the latest messaging.

SFGATE checked several sites — including the state's My Turn, Walgreens and Kaiser — and all of them still ask if you are at high risk for complications, or work or live in a high-risk setting. 

Unless you check the box that you qualify under this criteria, these sites will tell you that you don't meet the requirements for an appointment.

The California Department of Public Health didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on whether the state's vaccination appointment system will be updated to make it easier for more people to book appointments without confusion.

California's move to push more adults to get boosters skirts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines that recommend boosters for people 65 and older, as well as those 18 and older who have underlying health conditions or live or work in high-risk settings such as a hospital, school, grocery store or post office.

It comes as Gov. Gavin Newsom warned in a Nov. 10 press conference that the state should prepare for a winter surge even though California is doing comparatively better than other states in terms of cases and hospitalizations.

While statewide hospitalizations have fallen by about half since a summer peak at the end of August, they have started creeping up in some areas, particularly the Central Valley and portions of Southern California including Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

“We’ve seen some signs that suggest concerns,” said Newsom, who got his booster on Oct. 27.

At a Nov. 10 press conference, Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, said the state is working with healthcare providers, pharmacies and vaccine sites to ensure nobody who wants a booster is turned away. In other words, anyone is eligible as long as two months have passed since the single-dose Johnson & Johnson shot or at least six months have passed since the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna. 

"Absolutely if you're interested in getting a booster we ask that you go ahead and get yourself signed up to get one," Ghaly said.

Research shows that while COVID-19 vaccines are effective, the immunity may wane over time, and Ghaly noted that this is a reason to get a booster. 

Further, the state sent a letter to health care providers encouraging them to give a booster to any patient 18 years and older who self-determines that they are at risk of exposure.

Santa Clara Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody echoed the state's messaging and called on residents in the county to get their boosters before Thanksgiving. 

"We ask everyone who can to sign up for a booster shot to protect themselves, their family and their friends," Cody said.