Marin County Public Health Status Update for January 16, 2026, includes Updated Federal Dietary Guidance; Influenza Update; Policy Changes Don’t Change the Science; Flood Preparedness to Protect Health and Safety; Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
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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Updated Federal Dietary Guidance: Evidence-Based Benefits and Ongoing Concerns
Updated federal nutrition guidance continues to reflect strong scientific evidence supporting diets rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and minimally processed foods, while limiting added sugars and highly processed items. These recommendations align with long-standing public health guidance to reduce chronic disease risk.
At the same time, some newer messages within the guidance may create confusion. Recommendations that appear to encourage increased consumption of red meat or the use of beef tallow are not consistently supported by the broader body of scientific evidence, which links higher intake of saturated fats and processed meats to increased risk of heart disease. Conflicting messages can make it harder for individuals and families—especially those facing food insecurity—to make informed, healthy choices.
Public health agencies continue to emphasize plant-forward, affordable, and accessible eating patterns that support both health and equity across diverse communities.
Influenza Update: Vaccinate, Test, and Administer Influenza Antivirals
Influenza activity is increasing across California, with rising flu-related hospitalizations. Most current cases are influenza A (H3N2) and are linked to a newly circulating strain.
Marin County Public Health recommends that everyone who is eligible get a flu vaccine, which remains the best way to prevent severe illness. Flu vaccines are widely available at most local pharmacies or through your healthcare provider.
People with flu symptoms should stay home, avoid close contact with others, and seek testing and treatment as recommended by a healthcare provider. Early treatment is especially important for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with underlying health conditions.
Getting vaccinated and staying home when sick helps protect our community—especially those who face barriers to healthcare access.
Policy Changes Don’t Change the Science
Marin County Public Health remains guided by evidence, transparency, and a commitment to protecting our community. Recent federal changes to the childhood immunization schedule warrant thoughtful discussion. Vaccines continue to be safe, effective, and one of the most successful public health tools we have. Clear, consistent recommendations help families and clinicians make informed decisions and support high levels of community protection. When guidance becomes less clear, there is a risk of confusion and lower vaccination rates, which can lead to preventable disease outbreaks. Our approach remains steady: follow the data, rely on expert consensus, and communicate clearly to support the health of all residents.
Flood Preparedness to Protect Health and Safety
Recent storms and flooding in Marin County are a reminder that severe weather can make roads unsafe and limit travel, sometimes for several days. Marin County Public Health encourages residents to prepare now by keeping enough food, water, medications, and essential supplies on hand for at least three days, especially if you live in a flood-prone area.
It is also important to plan ahead in case you cannot reach your usual destinations. Families, neighbors, and caregivers should identify alternate meeting locations on higher ground if a home, workplace, school, or childcare site is not accessible.
To stay informed, residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts at AlertMarin.org, which provides timely updates about flooding, road closures, and other emergencies. Preparing in advance helps keep our community safe and connected during severe weather.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration in Marin City
In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy and the call to build a more just and equitable future, Marin County Public Health will be tabling at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Monday, January 19, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Visit us for nutrition and wellness education, try our smoothie bike, and access tobacco prevention and cessation support. We’ll also share naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and suicide prevention resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The event, Crafting A New Blueprint for Justice, will be held at the Manzanita Recreation Center, 630 Drake Avenue in Marin City, CA 94965.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
We’ve launched Marin County’s new Respiratory Virus Dashboard, which combines local COVID-19, flu, and RSV information in one place.
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: https://www.marinhhs.org/vaccine-resources
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 Support and Services
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Information and Assistance: Call (415) 473-INFO (4636) or visit Marin County's Online Community Resource Guide
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The Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS) Access Line: Call (415) 473-6666.
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Help is available. 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
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
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Individuals: Call (415) 473-HOME (4663)
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Families: Call Homeward Bound of Marin at (415) 457-2115
Stay Informed
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