CalPERS announced that it will direct its health plans and pharmacy benefit manager partners to continue offering and covering the latest COVID‑19 vaccine for any CalPERS member age 6 months or older, at no cost and without the recent limits the U.S. Food and Drug Administration placed on the shots. The guidance was presented to the Pension and Health Benefits Committee and framed as a member‑protection measure amid changing federal and advisory‑committee guidance.

CalPERS staff said the directive followed consultations with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Covered California, the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), and the governor’s office. Staff also told the committee that California and other western states had formed a West Coast Health Alliance to coordinate vaccine guidance and boost public confidence; CalPERS said it expects new guidance from that alliance in the near term. Members of the board asked whether the state could face legal challenges; CalPERS staff said they were comfortable with the state partners’ legal authority and would respond to any challenges if they arose.

Why it matters: The FDA recently narrowed its broader authorization for COVID‑19 vaccines to groups at higher risk of severe illness; CalPERS’ directive preserves broader access for its members and aligns with California’s CDPH guidance and the pending West Coast alliance guidance.

Operational details: Staff said members can receive the COVID‑19 vaccine at no cost through in‑network pharmacies or providers, and that flu shots can be received at the same visit. CalPERS staff also said they would publish explanatory materials and use social media to inform members promptly, and they flagged an upcoming Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) meeting as a potential source of additional federal guidance.

Next steps: Staff will continue to monitor regulatory, judicial and advisory actions, and will update members via CalPERS channels as developments occur. The committee requested staff keep trustees informed if the situation changes or if there is pushback from federal agencies.