Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
No insurance? Here’s how Angelenos can get the new COVID-19 vaccine for free
Vials of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
(
Brendan Smialowsk
/
AFP via Getty Images
)
California is extending access to a free vaccine program that helps those without insurance get access to COVID-19 vaccines, just in time for the newest shot.
Listen
• 0:52
How to get a free covid vaccine if you're uninsured
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Bridge Access Program originally funded the vaccine effort, but it ended after federal funding ran out in late August.
What the program does
The CDC shut down the federal program early across the U.S, which meant people without insurance would have to pay up to $200 for updated protection.
Support for LAist comes from
The statewide version is expected to begin in October, according to a statement from the California Department of Public Health. The program will cover the cost of COVID-19 vaccines for certain adults 19 years and older.
“Supplies in the program are anticipated to be available at least through the end of 2024,” a spokesperson wrote. “Adults who are uninsured or underinsured can contact their local health department for help finding vaccines at no cost.”
The California Bridge Access Program is expected to function the same as the federal version. ‘Underinsured’ is defined as:
- A person who has health insurance, but the insurance does not include any vaccines.
- A person whose insurance covers only selected vaccines.
- A person whose insurance does not provide first-dollar coverage for vaccines.
- A plan where a copay is required.
You won’t be eligible under the program if you’re insured through Medicaid or Medi-Cal because you can get vaccinated through them separately.
How to find the vaccines
You can look up providers near you through myturn.ca.gov.
Support for LAist comes from
If you think you’ll qualify for the free COVID-19 vaccine, select “No” for “does the patient have insurance” while making an appointment. My Turn will then show locations that have agreed to offer the vaccine at no cost.
If you’re searching for a walk-in location, look for clinics that have a “serves uninsured” tag.
If you’re homebound or have difficulty leaving your home, you can request an in-home vaccination in two ways: Call (833) 540-0473 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week or fill out an online request form available in multiple languages.
L.A. County Public Health also has a list of adult vaccine providers. You can learn more on the county public health website.
What about children?
Those 18 years and younger can still get free COVID-19 vaccines. The L.A. County Department of Public Health has a list of locations. It’s best to call ahead to make sure the updated vaccine is in stock.
About the new vaccines
If you’ve already had multiple COVID-19 vaccines, you may be wondering why you need another. There are a few reasons.
Support for LAist comes from
Protection decreases over time if you were vaccinated before. The 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine also helps protect you from recent circulating virus variants.
Officials recommend everyone six months and up get the updated vaccine. The CDC especially recommends the new shot for those who are:
- over 65;
- at high risk for severe COVID-19;
- living in a long-term care facility; or
- are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future.
If you recently had COVID-19, you can hold off on getting the new COVID-19 vaccine for three months.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist