Vaccines play an important role in keeping you healthy. We are here for you, to answer your questions and help you get the care you need.
Flu season is here. This year, you are also at risk of contracting colds, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and COVID-19. Protection from these viruses is critical because for many people, they continue to cause severe illness or death.
Experts recommend the following vaccines to stay safe:
Last year, the flu reached high severity for all ages—it had not reached this level of severity in nearly a decade. Young children and older adults are at highest risk for serious illness and complications from the flu.
Protect yourself and your family with a flu vaccine to avoid serious illness. Health authorities update flu vaccines in the fall of each year, to protect you against the most expected strains during the flu season. Updated vaccines are available for patients six months and older starting September 2. Call (888) 499-9303 to schedule an appointment.
Adults 75 years and older (and those 50-74 with certain risk factors for severe RSV disease, including adults living in a nursing home) are encouraged to get an RSV vaccine. Adults 50-74 years old may request the RSV vaccine through their provider. If you are 75 years and older, you may receive the vaccine at any time during a nurse visit. The RSV vaccine is not an annual vaccine. It provides protection for several years with one dose. RSV vaccine are available to receive all year long.
Those who are pregnant and have not previously received an RSV vaccine may request the vaccine with a nurse visit from September 1 to January 31 during the third trimester, or 32 to 36.6 weeks of gestation. Babies ages 0-8 months and infants ages 8-24 months who are high risk may receive the vaccine starting in October 1 to March 31.
To schedule a vaccine appointment, call AltaMed. For more information about RSV, click here.
COVID-19 continues to be a threat in our communities. Crowded events, travel and indoor gatherings can raise your risk of catching the virus. Protect yourself by washing your hands often, staying home if you feel ill, and masking in busy spaces. If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms or experienced exposure to the virus, isolate and test at home if possible. In person evaluations are recommended for those with severe symptoms or shortness of breath Contact us at (888) 499-9303 to schedule an appointment with a provider, or if you have questions about COVID-19 testing or vaccines. If you feel sick, get 24/7 access to care without leaving home with AltaMed Now.
Measles cases are rising in the United States. The measles virus is extremely infectious and can cause severe complications including high fever, pneumonia, hearing loss, brain infection, respiratory failure, and death (especially in young children).
As of August 11, 2025, the California Department of Health confirmed 20 cases of measles and the CDC has confirmed another 1,356 cases from 41 states.
If you have never received a measles vaccine, health experts strongly recommend protecting yourself and others with a vaccine. To schedule an appointment with AltaMed, call (888) 499-9303.
Protect your child with the best defense against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cancers.
Ask your health care provider about the HPV vaccine starting at nine years old during your child’s well visit. Starting the 2-dose HPV vaccine series at nine years old will get your child fully vaccinated by age 12 years old.
HPV vaccination is cancer prevention. It can prevent more than 90% of six HPV cancers when given at the recommended ages. Research shows that vaccination provides close to 100% protection against infections, precancers, and cancers caused by the types of HPV included in the vaccine. The vaccine is most effective when administered prior to exposure to HPV.
For more information, or to schedule a vaccine, call (888) 499-9303.
Don’t lose your Medi-Cal coverage – complete your Medi-Cal renewal on time.
We’re here to help! To learn more about the benefits of Medi-Cal and how to enroll or renew, call the AltaMed Medi-Cal Assistance Hotline at (323) 300-3400.
Learn more about which one is right for you.
After getting vaccinated, it is normal to experience side effects. See what you should expect after each dose.
None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in use in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal for each of them is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity and learning how to fight the vaccine. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it is possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.
Vaccines won’t cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus.
Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, people are advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.
While many people with COVID-19 have only a mild illness, others get severely ill and many have died. COVID-19 vaccines are the best protection against severe illness from a COVID infection. Since COVID-19 variants continue to evolve, it is possible that a person who is fully vaccinated and up-to-date with their boosters may still become ill. However, these “breakthrough infections” are typically mild compared to those who are not vaccinated or up-to-date with their vaccines.
Yes, you should still get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had a COVID-19 infection. A vaccine will provide more protection. According to the CDC, those who do not get vaccinated following a COVID-19 infection are more likely to get COVID-19 again. Talk to your provider about when to schedule your vaccine after recovery.
Yes, you can still become infected with COVID-19 after getting a vaccine. You can become infected while your body is developing its immunity to the virus since this process takes a few weeks. Or, you can experience a breakthrough infection after being fully vaccinated. However, being vaccinated will still provide the best protection against severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19.
Yes, if a fully vaccinated person experiences a breakthrough infection, it is possible for them to spread the virus to others.
Need to get tested? See how AltaMed makes it easy with clinics in your neighborhood.
School districts may require testing and/or vaccinations for your child. Learn how to make an appointment.
Test positive for COVID-19? Learn about available treatments.
If you or a family member tests positive for COVID-19 you may experience many different symptoms and it is essential to follow the latest health and safety guidelines.
For the latest information in Los Angeles County, please click here.
For the latest information in Orange County, please click here.
If you experience COVID-19 symptoms, isolate at home and away from others until you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine.
If you must leave home, wear a correctly fitted mask at all times and avoid unnecessary contact with others.
It is strongly recommended that you test negative before leaving isolation.
For more information on COVID-19 Isolation Requirements, please see:
Quarantine requirements:
If you are a close contact to someone that tests positive or is diagnosed with COVID-19, you must do the following:
There may be additional requirements based on where you live or work. For more information on COVID-19 Quarantine Requirements, please see:
You are a “close contact” if you shared the same indoor airspace for a total of 15 minutes over a 24-hour period with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
If you were exposed, please following the quarantine instructions provided by your local public health department. For information on COVID-19 Quarantine Requirements, please see:
Regardless of when your isolation or quarantine ends, those with COVID-19 infection or exposure should wear medical grade masks indoors and outdoors until 10 days have passed since initial infection or last exposure.
Some people who have been infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 can experience long-term effects from their infection known as post-COVID conditions (PCC) or long COVID. Long COVID is defined as the presence of a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems experienced by people after first being infected with COVID-19. Most patients’ symptoms slowly improve with time. However, for some people, post-COVID conditions may last months, and potentially years, after COVID-19 illness.
Anyone who had COVID-19 can develop post-COVID conditions, including people who had mild to no symptoms from COVID-19. Long COVID can happen to people in any age group.
People with post-COVID conditions often have fatigue, shortness of breath, coughing, joint pain, and/or chest pain weeks or months after having COVID-19. Other symptoms may include:
The best way to prevent post-COVID conditions is by taking precautions to prevent COVID-19. This includes staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and wearing a face mask that has both good fit and good filtration, such as an N95, KF94, or KN95 facemask. You can prevent COVID-19 by:
If you have mild COVID-19 symptoms, isolate at home and take over-the-counter cough/cold medication. Schedule a telehealth visit to discuss your symptoms and to arrange testing and/or treatment. Go to urgent care only if you have:
Follow schools’ recommendations regarding requirements for testing and return to school requirements.
In general, children that are exposed to COVID-19 should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and isolate if symptoms develop.
They should be tested immediately following knowledge of exposure and tested again on day 3-5 after exposure. Parents of exposed children will not be exposed unless the child becomes positive.
Follow schools’ recommendations regarding requirements for testing and return to school requirements. In general, children that are exposed to COVID-19 should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and isolate if symptoms develop. They should be tested immediately following knowledge of exposure and tested again on day 3-5 after exposure. Parents of exposed will not be exposed unless the child becomes positive.
Yes, the CDC and American College of Gynecology has strongly recommended COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy, after delivery and while breastfeeding. There is overwhelming data supporting that COVID-19 is extremely safe and improves outcomes in pregnant/post-partum women and the babies they are carrying.
Everyone should continue to follow local and state rules and regulations. In addition, everyone should comply with the practices of businesses that continue to require masks. This is particularly important in indoor settings where vaccinated and unvaccinated people may interact.
Masks are recommended for everyone visiting an AltaMed facility, even those who have been fully vaccinated.
If you are fully vaccinated you have a low risk of contracting COVID-19 or spreading it to others. You can resume normal activities without wearing a mask, with some notable exceptions. Additionally, vaccinated people should continue to follow local and state regulations, including individual business (such as retail stores and restaurants) and workplace requirements, which may differ from CDC guidance depending on local scenarios and transmission rates.
While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, no vaccine provides 100% immunity. Even with new and evolving guidance, fully vaccinated individuals may make the personal decision to continue to wear a mask based on their own risk assessment and preference. Those with certain medical conditions such as immunosuppression should consult their physicians regarding the continuation of mask wearing and other protective measures.
Masks offer an extra layer of protection for those that are not vaccinated or not fully vaccinated. A well-fitted mask is recommended in public settings or when visiting people who don’t live in their household, especially in crowded indoor settings. Unvaccinated people are more protected when they practice social distancing or when they are at small outdoor gatherings where all other guests are fully vaccinated. You are not considered fully vaccinated until two weeks have passed since your final vaccine recommended for Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
Visit the CDC website to learn more emerging variants.
It is normal for a virus to mutate and change over time. Sometimes these new variants emerge and disappear. Other times, new variants emerge and stay. New variants and strains of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented all over the world. So far, studies suggest that the COVID-19 vaccine is effective in protecting you from these new variants. Scientists and doctors continue to study COVID-19 and update the vaccines to improve their effectiveness. Continue to follow the guidance set by your local public health department when there are surges in your community.
Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. The symptoms are chest pain, shortness of breath, or an abnormal heartbeat (fast, fluttering, or pounding). Although these are both rare, there have been reports of myocarditis or pericarditis in adolescent and young adult males after receiving their COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna). Most patients who received care quickly felt better.
The CDC still recommends the COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older. The benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. Please visit the CDC’s page on Myocarditis and Pericarditis After mRNA COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder that damages nerve cells and causes muscle weakness. Although some people who received the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 reported GBS, it is very rare. Please see the CDC’s page on Select Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 vaccination to learn more.
Find additional information about COVID-19 for people who are pregnant, sexually active, or living with HIV.
Learn more about the Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna (Spikevax), and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
The COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, creating new strains that differ in strength and transmissibility.
For ideas and tips on how to eat, work, and play healthy during this time, visit our Health and Wellness articles.
Learn how you can support our COVID-19 Community Response.
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For questions and appointments please call (888) 499-9303.
A COVID-19 vaccine will help protect you from getting COVID-19. However, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Not everyone will experience side effects after the vaccine. If you have pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking an over-the-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or analgesics.
Common side effects for the vaccines include:
Severe reactions are very rare, but seek medical attention right away if you experience:
If you experience any adverse side effects and have concerns, please call the AltaMed Patient Service Center at (888) 499-9303 to make a telehealth appointment to speak to your provider.
You can also review a quick guide that we developed for you: What to Expect After the COVID-19 Vaccine
The practices that kept you safe during the pandemic will continue to keep you safe from COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Continue to practice hand hygiene, wear masks when in crowded areas, stay home when you are sick, and stay up-to-date with all vaccines.
If you do get sick, AltaMed offers many treatment options for COVID-19.
The federal government is providing free coronavirus tests once again. Effective Monday, September 25, people can request four free tests per household through covid.gov/tests. Officials say the tests can detect the latest variants and are intended to be used through the end of the year.
Contact us at (888) 499-9303 if you have questions about COVID-19 vaccines.
For many patients, there will be no out of pocket cost for testing. The cost for testing will depend on the type of insurance and health plan that you have – please refer to your health plan for more information. You can also check for updates on the California Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 page.
Children at high risk for severe illness aged 6 months and older are eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine. Call your doctor or contact us for more information.
COVID-19 treatments are available at no cost.
Treatments include pills or intravenous (IV) medications. These can prevent serious symptoms and hospitalization if given within the first week of symptoms. A health care provider can tell you if you are recommended to receive treatment and which type would work best for you.
To be eligible for COVID-19 treatment, you must:
COVID-19 treatments are available to people of all ages. Your doctor will make sure that you do not have to adjust any of your current medications during your COVID-19 treatment. Sometimes a doctor will recommend an intravenous therapy instead of an oral therapy.
To get treatment for COVID-19:
Make an in-person or telehealth appointment at AltaMed through your MyAltaMed account or by calling (888) 499-9303. Telehealth visits are appropriate for people with mild to moderate symptoms.
You can also call (800) 232-0233 (TTY (888) 720-7489) for help finding a location.
Use COVID-19 at-home test kits to get a prescription for treatment:
If you take an at-home COVID-19 test, share these results with your provider through a telehealth or in-person appointment. Your provider can use the results to prescribe treatment.
Filling your prescription:
You can have a prescription for Paxlovid oral medication filled at our AltaMed pharmacies. To find a location, click here.
NOTE: Treatments do not replace the vaccine. Vaccines are still the best protection against getting sick from COVID-19. However, if you do get sick, treatments can help reduce the severity of illness and risk of long COVID-19.
New variants of COVID-19 continue to emerge, are highly contagious and spread more easily than the original virus that caused COVID-19.
Some breakthrough infections can occur in fully vaccinated people. However, vaccines still offer the greatest protection against COVID-19 infections and help reduce the severity of illness for those that experience breakthrough infections. COVID-19 variant infections can cause severe disease and death especially for those who are immunocompromised and/or over 65 years old. It is important to remember that any coronavirus infection can be life threatening especially in people with underlying medical conditions. The best way to prevent severe illness and prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to get vaccinated and stay up-to-date with your vaccines. It is also important to continue following good hygiene practices, have at-home tests and masks available, and follow quarantine and isolation guidelines if you experience symptoms or get exposed.
