The FDA recently approved a new COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, and it will be available in early to mid-September. The CDC and CDPH recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get the new 2024-2025 vaccine to protect themselves and their communities. An annual flu shot is also recommended for everyone 6 months and older. The new COVID-19 vaccines have been updated with a new formula to more effectively target the variants currently circulating, offering better protection against serious outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization and death. Individuals who have private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare can receive no-cost vaccines from their local in-network pharmacy or doctor’s office. If you aren’t sure which pharmacies or clinics are in-network, contact your insurer. CDPH is working to secure vaccine for individuals without health insurance and will share details about where to get it in the coming weeks.  In late September, the Federal government is planning to relaunch their program to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests for all U.S. households. Visit COVIDTests.gov for additional details on when the program will resume. Paxlovid is an effective treatment for people who test positive for COVID-19. The federal Paxcess Program provides free Paxlovid to individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and are either uninsured or covered by Medicare or Medicaid. For more information, visit https://paxlovid.iassist.com/