Note: This webpage is no longer current and is for historical purposes only. See the CDPH COVID-19 Vaccine landing page for the latest information.
To: All vaccinators and local health departments
From: California Department of Public Health
We thank you for your tremendous work to vaccinate Californians.
This bulletin is meant to update you on current guidance for distributing vaccine.
Vaccine Prioritization (as vaccine supply allows)
Currently vaccines may be distributed to populations identified in Phase 1A and Phase 1B, Tier 1.
Healthcare providers may use their clinical judgement to vaccinate individuals age 12-64 who are deemed to be at the very highest risk for morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 as a direct result of one or more of the following severe health conditions, and individuals in specified settings are eligible to be vaccinated due to increased risk, as specified in this provider bulletin:
Cancer, current with debilitated or immunocompromised state
Chronic kidney disease, stage 4 or above
Chronic pulmonary disease, oxygen dependent
Down syndrome
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies (excludes hypertension)
Severe obesity (Body Mass Index ≥ 40 kg/m2)
Type 2 diabetes mellitus with hemoglobin A1c level greater than 7.5%
OR
If as a result of a developmental or other severe high-risk disability one or more of the following applies:
The individual is likely to develop severe life-threatening illness or death from COVID-19 infectionAcquiring COVID-19 will limit the individual's ability to receive ongoing care or services vital to their well-being and survivalProviding adequate and timely COVID care will be particularly challenging as a result of the individual's disabilityOR
Update on March 11, 2021: Public transit/airport and commercial airlines. Public transit workers, including airport and commercial airline workers (but not private airplanes) will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. They are at high risk for occupational exposure and maintaining continuity of transportation operations is critical.
Beginning April 1, 2021, individuals age 50-64 years old will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
Beginning April 15, 2021, every Californian age 16 and older will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
Beginning May 12, 2021, every Californian age 12 and older will become eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccine clinic volunteers are eligible for vaccination if they complete at least one clinic shift and are approved by the clinic’s organizer.
The list of eligible conditions is subject to change as additional scientific evidence is published and as CDPH obtains and analyzes additional state-specific data.
This provider bulletin is meant to clarify and update California's vaccine administration prioritization policy. It may be updated periodically to aid all vaccinators as the state moves through its efforts to vaccinate all eligible populations and as supplies increase over time.
Thank you for your partnership and work to protect Californians during the pandemic.
California State Board of Pharmacy Bulletin - COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expansion
Department of Aging - All Center Letter to Community Based Adult Services on COVID19 Vaccines for Persons with High Risk Medical Conditions or Disabilities
Department of Developmental Services – Department Directive 01-030921: Contacting Consumers Ages 16 Through 64 Regarding Eligibility For COVID-19 Vaccination
Department of Health Care Services – All Plan Letter for COVID-19 Vaccine Administration
Department of Health Care Services – COVID-19 Vaccine Guidance for Behavioral Health Providers FAQ
Department of Health Care Services - Home and Community Based Agencies Policy Letter on Vaccine Administration
Department of Health Care Services - PACE Program Policy Letter on Vaccine Administration
Department of Managed Health Care – All Plan Letter for COVID-19 Vaccine Prioritization for Individuals with HighRisk Health Conditions and/or Disabilities
Department of Rehabilitation - Vaccine Prioritization for Persons with Disabilities
Department of Social Services - Information for In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program
Department of State Hospitals - Communication to CONREP Providers Regarding CONREP Clients Ages 16 through 64 Eligibility for COVID-19 Vaccination