COVID-19 infections rise across California as health officials urge vaccinations

September 9, 2026 - 05:56

California is seeing a noticeable uptick in COVID-19 infections this month, prompting state health leaders to remind residents about the importance of staying current with their vaccinations. The rise is not uniform across the state, but several counties are reporting higher test positivity rates and more emergency room visits linked to the virus, according to recent data from the California Department of Public Health.

While the numbers are still far below the peaks seen during the worst winter surges, the trend has caught the attention of epidemiologists. They point to a combination of factors, including waning immunity from earlier shots or infections, increased travel and indoor gatherings, and the emergence of newer subvariants that are better at evading previous defenses.

Health officials are not calling for new mandates or mask requirements. Instead, they are focusing on a simple message: get the updated vaccine if you are eligible. The latest boosters are designed to target more recent strains and have been shown to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and long COVID. This guidance is especially important for older adults, people with underlying health conditions, and those who have not had a shot in over a year.

The state is also reminding people that testing and treatment remain widely available. Antiviral drugs like Paxlovid can be prescribed quickly after a positive test, but many people still do not use them. Doctors say early treatment is key, particularly for high-risk patients.

Local health departments in places like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento have started posting reminders on social media and sending alerts to community partners. Some clinics are extending hours for vaccination appointments, and mobile units are being deployed to underserved neighborhoods.

The overall message is not alarm, but caution. COVID-19 has not disappeared, and it continues to evolve. Staying up to date on shots is the most reliable way to keep personal risk low and to avoid putting extra strain on hospitals as the fall season approaches. Health officials say they will keep monitoring the data closely and will adjust recommendations if the situation changes. For now, the advice is straightforward: if you are due for a booster, do not wait.