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Public Health Status Update for 01/16/2026

Marin County Public Health Status Update for January 16, 2026, includes Updated Federal Dietary Guidance; Influenza Update; Policy Changes Don… Read More

Public Health Status Update for 06/20/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for June 20, 2025, includes, Hey Boomer: Is Your Measles Immunity Up to Date?; What Approved Medi-Cal Cuts Mean for Marin; Juneteenth and Men’s Health in Marin City; From Bay to Table: How Marin Keeps Oysters and Shellfish Safe to Eat; Statewide Honors Highlight Marin’s Commitment to Emergency Readiness; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance. 

The Marin County 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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Hey Boomer: Is Your Measles Immunity Up to Date? 

If you were born after 1957 and got a measles vaccine between 1963 and 1967, you might not be fully protected. That’s because the vaccine used during those years was an older, inactivated version that wasn’t as effective as the live MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine introduced in 1968. Not sure which vaccine you received? Start by checking your vaccination records or any proof of measles immunity. If you don’t have documentation, you should discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility of getting the MMR vaccine. It’s safe—even if you were previously vaccinated—and provides strong protection against measles, mumps, and rubella. A quick blood test can also check your immunity. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines helps protect you and our community from serious, vaccine-preventable diseases including measles. 

 

What Approved Medi-Cal Cuts Mean for Marin 

Governor Newsom’s latest budget proposal includes considerable changes to Medi-Cal that could make it harder for many Marin County residents to get the care they need. While the most recent amended proposal removed some of the steeper cuts, changes such as monthly premiums of $30, stopping enrollment for some adults based on their immigration status and the eventual reduction of dental benefits could lead to longer wait times, more people going to the emergency room, and added stress on our local community health centers and hospitals. Everyone plays a role in building a strong, thriving Marin—whether working in our farms, restaurants, caregiving, or other essential jobs. When everyone has the opportunity to be healthy, our whole community prospers. Learn more at #Health4All

 

Juneteenth and Men’s Health in Marin City 

Juneteenth honors freedom and reminds us of the ongoing work needed for justice and equity, particularly in the realm of health. In Marin City, where African American history runs deep, Black men often face challenges to mental and physical well-being. On Saturday, June 28, from 1–4 PM, the Marin County Cooperation Team (MCCT) and the Southern Marin Community Resiliency Team invite you to “Outside the Shop,” a free Men’s Mental Health & Wellness Summit.  The event will feature free health screenings, a panel on vulnerability, and workshops on self-care, financial wellness, and healthy living. RSVP to join us for a chance to connect, heal, and celebrate.  

 

From Bay to Table: How Marin Keeps Oysters and Shellfish Safe to Eat 

In Marin County, oysters and other shellfish are a local treasure, but they must be safe to eat. That’s where Environmental Health Services (EHS) comes in. EHS works with state partners to test coastal waters for harmful toxins, bacteria, and pollution. When risks like red tide or high toxin levels appear, EHS helps issue warnings and closes harvesting areas to keep people safe. These efforts protect everyone, from families buying seafood at local markets to foragers gathering shellfish by hand. Shellfish safety is particularly important during the warmer summer months, when ocean conditions can change rapidly. Before harvesting or buying shellfish, check public health advisories at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/Shellfish-Advisories.aspx. Just this week, an advisory has been issued warning the public not to consume all bivalve shellfish (mussel, oyster, clam, scallop, oyster) recreationally harvested from Marin County.  

 

Statewide Honors Highlight Marin’s Commitment to Emergency Readiness 

Marin County Public Health proudly celebrates statewide recognition for two of our leaders. Amber Davis, Public Health Preparedness Program Manager, was honored at the 2025 California Department of Public Health (CDPH) Emergency Preparedness Training Workshop. Dr. Dustin Ballard, EMS Medical Director, received accolades at the Emergency Medical Services Administrators Association of California (EMSAAC) Conference for his leadership in emergency medical response. 

Professionals across Marin’s Fire Departments were also recognized, with a total of nine of Marin’s finest honored. In addition to Amber and Dr. Ballard, we extend our congratulations to Marisa Nieto-Gomez, Graham Winkelman, JD Pomilia, Katie Pannell, RN, Ron Caselli, Tomas Pastalka, Nick Hurn, and Gerry Sheehan for their outstanding service and commitment to public safety. 

These awards reflect Marin’s deep commitment to community preparedness, even as federal funding faces threats. We remain focused on protecting all residents, especially our most vulnerable, through strong planning and response. 

As wildfire season approaches, now is the time to prepare.  Sign up for AlertMarin, create an evacuation plan and refresh your emergency kits. And don’t forget—learning bystander CPR can save a life. 

Be ready. Stay safe

 

Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance  

Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages.  Marin County Public Health has aligned local reporting with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) respiratory illnesses data monitoring and CDPH Weekly Respiratory Report.   

Respiratory Virus Surveillance Site Trends and Levels 

Virus Type 

COVID 

Influenza 

RSV 

Levels and Trends 

Minimal 

Decreasing 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

All Sites Combined 

Minimal 

Decreasing 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Central Marin/San Rafael*  

Low 

Plateau 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Marin 

(Las Gallinas) 

Minimal 

Decreasing 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Marin 

(Novato) 

Minimal 

Decreasing 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

Marin 

(Sausalito-Marin City) 

Minimal 

Decreasing 

 

Minimal 

Plateau 

 

Minimal 

 

Plateau 

 

*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax. 

 

Resource Link Library 

 

Public Health 

CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses. 

Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing  

Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.   

Community Supports and Services  

  • 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.  

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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