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Understand the rise in California COVID cases with these 5 stories

Stories by Sacramento Bee journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles highlight a common theme of rising COVID-19 cases in California, coinciding with updated vaccine guidance and preparations for flu season. They discuss shared efforts among West Coast states to offer unified COVID vaccine recommendations amidst federal uncertainty.

In one article, officials observe increased COVID cases and wastewater indicators in Yolo County, urging residents to wear masks and take precautions. Another piece delves into California's alliance with Oregon and Washington, questioning federal vaccine policy changes. It discusses uneven vaccine access, particularly for older adults and those with pre-existing conditions. The Food and Drug Administration reformulated vaccines for the 2025-2026 season to better target current variants, but access is restricted. Lastly, an article explores summer COVID surges fueled by travel and social gatherings, underscoring potential testing challenges for emerging variants.

Bryan Yeboah, 3, celebrates after receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination in his thigh from nurse Joanna Marie Pamintuan while being held by mother Perpetual Yeboah at the Kaiser Permanente Bruceville Center Vaccination Clinic in Sacramento on Thursday, June 23, 2022. By Nathaniel Levine

NO. 1: CA TEAMS UP WITH OREGON, WASHINGTON TO OFFER COVID VACCINE RECOMMENDATIONS

California, Washington, and Oregon are partnering to roll out their own COVID vaccine recommendations, citing U.S. | Published September 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lia Russell

By Cavan Images

NO. 2: COVID CASES RISE IN CALIFORNIA AS FDA SETS NEW VACCINE LIMITS. WHO’S ELIGIBLE?

With COVID-19 cases climbing across California, the U.S. | Published September 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

NO. 3: SACRAMENTO-AREA HEALTH OFFICIAL WARNS OF COVID SPREAD, ENCOURAGES PRECAUTIONS

Officials in West Sacramento and Yolo County are warning of another potential spread of COVID-19 and are urging residents to take precautions. | Published September 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chris Biderman

COVID test. A stock image of a positive COVID-19 antigen test kit.

NO. 4: NEW COVID VARIANT IS SPREADING ACROSS CA. WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS? DO TESTS STILL WORK?

As summer comes to an end, COVID-19 cases are on the rise again in California. | Published September 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Angela Rodriguez

Health officials recommend annual flu shots for people 6 months and older.

NO. 5: WHEN SHOULD I GET MY FLU SHOT IN CA? CAN I GET COVID VACCINE AT THE SAME TIME?

As fall approaches, it’s time to start preparing for the start of flu season as well. | Published September 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Brooke Baitinger

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.