4 answers to COVID-19 problems in September 2025

Confused about Covid-19? With conflicting information from federal and state agencies over the past month, we set out to clarify the facts about the contagious respiratory virus that continues to mutate and infect.

Ages 12 to 49 make up about 14% of residents in Orange County who are vaccinated against COVID-19. There are approximately 3.17 million people in OC and about 4% have an up-to-date vaccine against the disease.

Here is everything you need to know about COVID-19 as of Sept. 19.

1. Is COVID-19? on the rise?

Yes. The California Department of Public Health wastewater report shows a high level of COVID-19 in the wastewater, and that it has increased by 44% over the last 21 days in Southern California.

Wastewater reports show early detection signs of a possible outbreak of disease. During the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control implemented national wastewater reports, but those have since been discontinued. Health care officials can use the data from these reports to advise the community on how to prevent outbreaks. California has started to reach record highs for COVID-19 in wastewater this September.

California wastewater reports show a level of 10.2, and the current portrayed trend for Southern California is an increase in reports of COVID-19.

The OC Health Agency updated its COVID-19 reports as of Sept. 18, and 12.3% of the population reported testing positive for COVID-19 in OC as of Sept 13. The chart below, which just released last week, shows an increase in hospitalizations and fatalities due to COVID-19 over the last couple of months.

Test positivity is calculated by the number of positive test results divided by the number of PCR tests reported. Refreshed on Sept. 18.

2. Do you need a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, according to the National Foundation of Infectious Diseases, COVID-19 vaccines can help prevent the spread of the disease and can decrease adverse effects. Their Q&A page answers questions you may have about needing a COVID-19 vaccine, updated this Sept. Like the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines are reformulated every year to match the current virus mutations, so getting the latest one is critical for protection.

Federal guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services is being updated as the Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices voted yesterday and today for their official recommendations of immunizations for children and adults for 2025-26. The CDC and FDA’s recommendations for each vaccine are as follows as of Sept. 18 (subject to change). There are multiple subsections providing different scheduling for the administration of COVID-19 vaccines. Under the “shared clinical decision-making” section, COVID-19 vaccines are recommended for those that are 6 months and older. The routine recommendation for the vaccination is for those 18 years or older.

The California Department of Public Health attributed the following statement:

“Changes at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services have created uncertainty in the public health landscape and in response, California, Washington, and Oregon have decided to take coordinated action to ensure that our public health strategies are based on the best available science…  In the coming weeks, the Alliance will finalize shared plans and principles to strengthen public access to vaccines and other public health measures that protect us.”

The state recommendations are as follows:

COVID-19 vaccinations are recommended for individuals, including children between the ages of 6 to 23 months, adolescents, pregnant individuals, and high-risk or immunocompromised people. Anyone over the age of 18 is also encouraged to get vaccinated.

3. If you want to get a COVID-19 vaccine, how can you get one?

The updated 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine is available at most pharmacies or vaccine clinics. You can consult your doctor for more options. Those between the ages of 7 to 64 may have issues receiving the vaccine due to the FDA’s regulation changes.

Children under the age of 5 are no longer recommended by the FDA or CDC to receive the vaccination as a routine immunization. Pfizer, Moderna and Novafax’s 2024-25 vaccine has been approved by the FDA for seniors 65 and older or for anyone who is considered high risk.

As of Sept. 15, Walgreens offers a choice between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for 2025-26. CVS offers Moderna for 2025-26.

The cost for the vaccine varies by state and insurance coverage. In California, most pharmacies offer it for free. Kaiser Permanente announced that it would be giving the 2025-26 COVID-19 vaccine to members ages 6 months and up for free. Use the CDPH’s My Turn website to book an appointment and find a clinic near you that offers the updated vaccine.

4. What are SAC students saying?

“My mom didn’t want me to get it but she got hers and she didn’t want us to do it. I haven’t ever gotten COVID,” said Loremie Penaloza, a freshman psychology major.

“Honestly, I never had COVID so I didn’t think it was necessary for me cuz I’ve never gotten it,” said Nester Gomez sophomore criminal justice major.

“I’ve definitely seen an increase in COVID cases, because it kind of died down for a little bit but it’s definitely coming back,” said sophomore nursing student Amanda Tovalino.

“I have routine doctor visits and my parents will tell me when I need to get it [the vaccine],” said freshman psychology student Ariana Kingston.

For more information on vaccine recommendations for adults and children, including vaccine availability, please visit CDPH’s COVID-19 Vaccines web page.