Marin County Public Health Status Update for February 20, 2026, includes Flu, RSV & Colds: Prevention Still Matters; Smile, Marin! Children’s Dental Health Month; Clean Air Leadership in Marin County: When Every Second Counts: Strengthening Survival in Marin; Prevention, Not Permission: How Education and Families Save Lives; 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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Flu, RSV & Colds: Prevention Still Matters
Respiratory viruses, including RSV, influenza, and common cold viruses, are circulating in our community. Because of the late surge in flu, the season is expected to continue through April. The flu vaccine remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe illness and reduce hospitalizations. In addition to washing hands, covering coughs, masking when sick, and staying home to rest if you develop symptoms, we encourage everyone who is eligible to receive a flu vaccine. RSV vaccination is also recommended for eligible older adults and pregnant individuals to help protect themselves and infants.
Smile, Marin! Children’s Dental Health Month
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, and the Marin County Oral Health Program supports children’s healthy smiles all year long. Through school partnerships, community outreach, and family education, the program encourages brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, flossing daily, eating healthy foods, drinking fluoridated water and regular dental visits. Fluoride helps prevent cavities and keeps teeth strong. Families can access free bilingual resources and activities through the Smile, California campaign at www.smilecalifornia.org.
Clean Air Leadership in Marin County
The EPA’s recent rollback of federal greenhouse gas rules reduces important protections. Strong clean air standards are vital for both the environment and public health. Air pollution is linked to asthma, lung disease, heart problems, and other serious illnesses. In Marin County, air pollution does not affect everyone equally. Marin City and the Canal area of San Rafael face higher traffic and pollution levels, contributing to ongoing health disparities. California continues to lead the nation on clean air and climate policy, and Marin County is advancing that work at the local level. Young environmental leaders countywide, from Marin City to San Rafael, are taking action to protect community health today and build a healthier future. You can help by reducing car trips, using clean energy, and supporting strong local clean air policies.
When Every Second Counts: Strengthening Survival in Marin
Last week, the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Agency hosted Marin’s first Resuscitation Academy, a nationally recognized, science-based training, focused on improving survival from cardiac arrest through a coordinated, high-performance team approach. Eight national experts shared the latest evidence in cardiac arrest care with 40 EMS leaders, first responders, and community partners, strengthening our local resuscitation systems and advancing high-performance CPR skills. While highly trained medical teams are essential to improving outcomes, survival also depends on early action. Bystander CPR is the critical first link in the chain of survival during a cardiac emergency. Watch this short video to learn the basics in just a few minutes.
Prevention, Not Permission: How Education and Families Save Lives
Opioid education and access to naloxone are about prevention, not permission. Research shows that providing naloxone to youth does not increase drug use. Education can delay or prevent use and prepares young people to act quickly in an emergency. OD Free Marin partners with local schools to provide age-appropriate education on opioid safety, overdose prevention, and how to use naloxone. Students learn to recognize the signs of an overdose, call 9-1-1, and take steps that can save a life. Families matter most. Setting clear rules and expectations while staying supportive and involved in your child’s life is linked to lower rates of youth substance use. Honest, ongoing conversations about drugs, safety, and healthy choices build trust and help protect your children and their friends. Learn more: https://odfreemarin.org/
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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