The Pasadena Public Health Department on Tuesday, Sept. 23, reiterated its recommendation that everyone 6 months old and older receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccine and that those who meet the age requirements get the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine. It’s not a new message, but comes a day after President Donald Trump repeated discredited claims connecting vaccines to autism during a White House news conference alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.“Vaccines reduce the risk of serious illness and offer enhanced protection against community transmission,” the Pasadena Public Health Department said in a release. “The Pasadena Public Health Department remains committed to science-based approaches that safeguard the health of our community,” Manuel Carmona, director of Public Health said in a statement. “Getting vaccinated is safe, effective, and the best protection available against respiratory viruses.”Under the legislation signed by Newsom, California Department of Public Health recommended vaccines continue to be covered by health plans, including Medi-Cal plans and insurance companies, in most instances. “Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the spread of illness in our community and reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV.” Dr. Parveen Kaur, acting health officer, said in a statement.