CalPERS directed its contracted health plans and pharmacy benefit managers to continue offering and covering the 2025 COVID-19 vaccine to any CalPERS member age 6 months or older at no cost, CalPERS staff said during the Pension and Health Benefits Committee meeting on Sept. 16. The board-level directive comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration narrowed its authorization to focus on people at elevated risk of severe illness.

CalPERS said the decision follows consultation with the California Department of Public Health, Covered California, the Department of Health Care Services and the governor’s office and is consistent with current CDPH guidance and similar approaches by other West Coast states. Don Mould, CalPERS health benefits staff, told trustees the agency expects to align its vaccine guidance with the Western States Health Alliance and to monitor developments including an upcoming Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meeting.

CalPERS’ action is intended to keep vaccine access broad for its membership, which staff said includes roughly 1.5 million registered myCalPERS account holders. Staff emphasized that members may receive the COVID vaccine through their provider or at in‑network pharmacies at no cost and that the COVID shot may be co‑administered with the flu vaccine for convenience. CalPERS plans to publish member-facing communications and updates on its website and social channels this week.

Trustees who spoke during the meeting praised staff for quickly pursuing a solution to the changing federal guidance and described ongoing monitoring of legal, regulatory and administrative developments as the situation evolves. CalPERS staff noted state legislation under consideration that would allow California providers, including pharmacists, to administer vaccines based on guidance from leading medical professional organizations rather than references to ACIP recommendations in state law.

CalPERS said staff and clinical partners will continue coordination with CDPH, Covered California and DHCS and will follow court, regulatory or ACIP action that could affect coverage. The agency described this as a proactive member‑service decision and said it will provide additional detail in an article and through digital channels in the coming days.