Marin County Public Health (MCPH) protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies. The MCPH Public Health Status Update is released on the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month to provide news and resources concerning public health priorities.
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Paws Off the Produce Aisle
Marin County Public Health is reminding residents that dogs aren’t permitted inside grocery stores, restaurants, or other food establishments unless they are trained service animals. Marin residents love their pets, but food safety comes first. Pet dander, fur, and paws can carry bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, potentially contaminating food and surfaces. Service animals assisting people with disabilities are always welcome but should never be placed in a shopping cart. For everyone else, please leave your pets at home or outside. Thank you for helping keep Marin’s food establishments safe and healthy for all!
Protecting Your Baby Before Birth: Why Prenatal Vaccines Matter
Recent policy changes have sparked questions about vaccine recommendations, but major health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians, remain steadfast: prenatal vaccines save lives. If you or a family member is pregnant, vaccination against flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pertussis can help protect both parent and baby and reduce the risk of serious complications, including premature birth and low birth weight. Vaccination during pregnancy also allows protective antibodies to pass to the baby, helping provide protection during the first months after birth.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites
West Nile virus has been detected in a dead bird in Sonoma County, the first North Bay detection this season. While this does not mean there is widespread illness, it is a good reminder to prevent mosquito bites. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk, and remove standing water around your home. You can report a dead bird in California online through the California West Nile Virus Website or by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-968-2473 (1-877-WNV-BIRD) to help track West Nile virus. Marin County Public Health and the Marin/Sonoma Mosquito and Vector Control District monitor transmission through surveillance, testing, and mosquito control. Residents experiencing a mosquito problem can also request service.
Back to School: Back to Prevention
COVID-19 activity is beginning to increase in Marin as summer ends and students return to school. About 1 in 5 Marin County residents is age 65 or older. Adults 65 and older are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 and should stay up to date with vaccination. You can also help protect yourself and others by staying home when sick, washing your hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces when needed.
Flood Preparedness Begins Now
Scientists are forecasting a strong El Niño this fall and winter, which could increase the risk of coastal flooding when combined with king tides and winter storms. While it’s too early to know exactly what conditions Marin will experience, now is the time to prepare. Clear storm drains around your home, review your emergency plan, sign up for AlertMarin, and visit the Department of Public Works Marin Sea Level Rise Viewer to learn whether you live or work in an area prone to flooding. Also, bookmark the County of Marin’s Public Emergency Portal to stay informed. Preparing now can make a big difference before winter weather arrives.
Community Infectious Disease Monitoring
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Marin County’s Respiratory Virus Dashboard brings together local data on COVID‑19, influenza, and RSV in one easy‑to‑use resource. It helps residents and providers track trends and stay informed about seasonal virus activity.
Wastewater Surveillance
Marin County Public Health’s Wastewater Surveillance program monitors infectious diseases by testing our community’s sewage. This early‑warning system provides valuable insight into virus levels and supports timely public health action.
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses Hub provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Find materials and information to help answer vaccine questions and concerns on Marin County Public Health’s Vaccine Resources page.
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Access to Care
Get free, confidential help to explore your health coverage options and enroll through Covered California at: https://www.coveredca.com.
You can search for nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — community clinics that offer low-cost or free health care — at: https://aliadoshealth.org/health-centers/
Learn about health coverage options for low-income adults through the County Medical Services Program at https://cmspcounties.org/healthcare-within-reach/.
Nutrition Security
Access free groceries and home-delivered food through the SF-Marin Food Bank’s Food Locator and emergency programs, with help available by calling or texting (415) 824-3663 or emailing help@sfmfoodbank.org.
Community Supports and Services
Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide
The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.
Public Benefits
BenefitsCal.com is a one-stop-shop to apply, renew, or manage health care coverage, food assistance, and cash aid.
You may qualify for California WIC if you live in California, are pregnant or caring for a child under 5, and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh. Use the WIC eligibility assessment to check your eligibility.
Marin County Coordinated Entry System for Persons Experiencing Homelessness
Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)
Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115
Stay Informed
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