CDPH guidance remains the standard for pediatric and adult immunizations
The official vaccine policy for the State of California is established by the California Department of Public Heath (CDPH). Physicians, practitioners and other providers should continue to follow CDPH guidance for pediatric and adult immunizations.
How the CDPH sets vaccine recommendations
The CDPH develops its immunization recommendations using evidence from medical researchers and frontline clinicians. This process includes input from leading professional organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, in collaboration with the Western Healthcare Alliance.
Health Net policy under California law
- Under Assembly Bill 144 (2025), Wellcare is required to follow CDPH immunization guidance. This law ensures that all CDPH-recommended immunizations are covered for members enrolled in California‑regulated health plans.
- Physicians, practitioners and other providers administering CDPH‑recommended vaccines receive liability protections supporting broader access to care.
- California pharmacists may administer CDPH‑recommended immunizations to children ages 3 and older, helping families stay current with routine vaccines.
- CDPH recommendations are the governing standard, even when federal entities such as the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue differing guidance.
What providers need to know
- Clinical standards remain unchanged. The Plan follows CDPH immunization guidance — not the new CDC recommendations. In alignment with CDPH, the Plan utilizes the AAP immunization schedule for children and the AAFP immunization schedule for adults ages 19 and older. This remains the clinical and operational standard for all pediatric and adult vaccine requirements.
- Coverage remains unchanged. All vaccines recommended by CDPH, AAP and AAFP continue to be fully covered with no cost-sharing or copayments.
- Quality expectations remain unchanged. There are no changes to HEDIS®1 or NCQA2 measurement requirements for Childhood Immunization Status – Combination 10 (CIS-10-E) or Immunizations for Adolescents – Combination 2 (IMA-2-E). Physicians, practitioners and other providers should continue administering all required CIS-10-E and IMA-2-E vaccines without modification.
1 HEDIS = Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set
2 NCQA = National Committee for Quality Assurance
References
- CDPH Assembly Bill 144 Vaccine Recommendations − https://bit.ly/AB-144
- 2026 AAP Immunization Schedule – https://bit.ly/AAP-Immunization-Schedule
- AAFP Adult Immunization Schedule – https://bit.ly/AAFP-Adult-Immunizations
Need help? Contact us
If you have questions regarding the information contained in this update, contact 866-999-3945.
This information applies to Physicians, Practitioners, Independent Practice Associations (IPAs), Hospitals, Ancillary Providers, and Behavioral Health Providers.
