Public Health Status Update for 10/16/2026 | Marin County Coronavirus Information

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.

For additional public health insights across California, subscribe to Your Local Epidemiologist – California, authored by Marin County’s former Public Health Officer. 👉 https://yourlocalepidemiologistca.substack.com/

Fall Flu and Covid Vaccine Clinics

Marin County Public Health is working with our county’s Community Resiliency Teams and local partners to offer flu and COVID vaccines throughout Marin this fall. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of serious illness and help protect your family and community. Marin County Public Health encourages everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on flu and COVID vaccines this fall. Find a convenient location by viewing our upcoming vaccination clinics and events. You can also track local flu, COVID-19, and RSV activity through Marin County's Respiratory Surveillance Dashboard.

Know Your Risk: Free Vascular Health Screenings

Early detection can help prevent chronic disease, disability, and premature death. On Saturday, October 17, The Kove, a community wellness hub at Northgate Mall in San Rafael, is hosting free vascular health screenings for Marin County residents. Health professionals will provide screenings to help identify circulation and vascular concerns that may increase the risk of serious health problems. Marin Community Clinics will also be available to connect participants with healthcare and follow-up resources. The event supports Marin County’s goal of preventing chronic disease and helping residents live longer, healthier lives. Screenings are free, and no registration is required. Learn more about the event.

Mental Health Support in Marin

Recent events in Marin are a reminder of the importance of mental health, connection, and knowing where to turn for support. Stress, grief, and loss can affect people in different ways. Checking in with family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues—and reaching out when support is needed—can make a difference.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 for 24/7 support. Marin County also offers local crisis response and stabilization services, along with peer and text-based support. If there is immediate danger, call 911. Find mental health and crisis support in Marin, including local phone numbers and additional resources.

Don't Toss Expired Naloxone Just Yet

Have expired nasal spray naloxone at home? Don’t throw it away. Expired naloxone may remain effective for up to two years beyond the printed expiration date. Keep it available in case of an overdose until you can replace it with unexpired naloxone. Marin residents have several options:

Mail it back for free. Pick up a prepaid mail-back envelope in the lobby at 3240 Kerner Blvd. in San Rafael through December 31, 2026, or request a mail-back envelope from MED-Project.

Use a local drug take-back site. Find a convenient Marin County drop-off location.

Dispose of it in your household trash. Place the naloxone in a plastic bag to help prevent leakage before putting it in the trash.

Most importantly, make sure you have unexpired naloxone available. Keeping naloxone on hand and knowing how to use it can save a life.

Know Your Risk and Prepare for Winter Storms

Recent high tides are a reminder that flooding can occur in Marin, even on clear, sunny days. Winter storms can increase flooding risks, especially when heavy rain coincides with high tides. Take a few minutes now to prepare. Check NOAA's tide predictions for upcoming high tides, clear gutters and drains, and plan alternate travel routes. Use the Marin County Hazard Look-up Tool to identify potential flooding risks near your home or workplace. Visit ReadyMarin.gov for upcoming Town Hall events and additional winter preparedness resources.

Envision Marin: Help Shape Our County's Future

What matters most to you about Marin's future? Through Envision Marin, the County is developing a new strategic plan to guide priorities, services, and investments over the next six years. From improving community health and access to services to addressing housing, transportation, and other local needs, your perspective matters. Visit Engage Marin to share your ideas, respond to questions, and vote on priorities that resonate with you. Your input will help inform County decisions and support a healthier, more equitable Marin.

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

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