Marin County Public Health Status Update for August 01, 2025, includes COVID Summer Wave; Back-to-School? Don’t Forget Vaccines!; Another Tsunami Advisory; Sidewalk CPR; Understanding Autism Together: Why Early Detection Matters; 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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Covid Summer Wave is Here
COVID-19 cases are rising again in Marin County, which is common during the summer. Since 2020, there have been two main waves each year—one in the summer and another in the winter. This summer increase is happening around the same time as always, after the Fourth of July. It’s likely due to more summer travel and gatherings, as well as new variants. To stay safe, it’s important to take simple steps. If you feel sick, stay home and take a COVID test. Wear a mask in crowded or poorly ventilated places, especially indoors. Open windows or use air purifiers to help improve air flow when gathering inside. Everyone 6 months and older should get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. It’s especially important for older adults, pregnant people, and those with health problems. If it’s been more than six months since your last shot or infection, it may be time for a booster. This fall, the updated 2025 –2026 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended only for adults 65 and older, people 12 to 64 with underlying health conditions, and children under 12 who are at higher risk for severe illness. Visit coronavirus.marinhhs.org/vaccine to learn more.
Back-to-School Shopping? Don’t Forget Vaccines!
As the new school year begins, Marin County Public Health reminds families to make vaccines a top priority. Vaccines are safe, effective, and protect kids from serious illnesses like measles, whooping cough, and polio. All children in California need certain vaccines to attend school or childcare. Parents should check their child’s vaccine records and schedule check-ups before school starts. Free or low-cost shots are available for families who need them. While vaccination rates are dropping across California, Marin County still has over 95% of students up to date. The goal is to keep it that way—protecting all kids and keeping our schools and community healthy.
Another Tsunami Advisory
This week a powerful 8.8 earthquake hit near Russia, causing a tsunami advisory for Marin. No local evacuations were needed, but we saw strong waves here and flooding as far as Hawaii and Japan. It is important to stay informed and prepared as new Bay Area tsunami maps show more at-risk zones. Always move to higher ground if ordered and check emergency.marincounty.gov for updates. If you haven’t already, now’s the time to sign up for AlertMarin so you don’t miss emergency warnings. Download the MyShake app to receive early earthquake alerts on your phone. Talk with your family about a plan—where to meet, how to stay in touch—and don’t forget to pack a Go-Bag with essentials for you, your loved ones, and your pets. Visit https://readymarin.org/ for resources to help you and your family prepare.
Sidewalk CPR
On Saturday, August 16th, Marin County Emergency Medical Services, a program of Marin County Public Health, is hosting the annual Marin County Sidewalk CPR event. The event takes place at multiple locations throughout Marin between 10 am and 2 pm, offering free public training in Hands-Only CPR, AED use, Narcan administration, and bleeding control. This community event is presented in partnership with OD Free Marin, the Marin Medical Reserve Corps, local paramedics, and fire agencies. Join us at one of the venues listed here to gain these simple life-saving skills.
Understanding Autism Together: Why Early Detection Matters
Families play a powerful role in helping children grow and thrive. By noticing how their child plays, learns, speaks, and moves—and using tools like the Ages and Stages Questionnaire, they can catch any concerns early and get extra support when it’s needed most. Help Me Grow Marin supports families with free developmental screenings, referrals, and connections to local services. Today, autism is diagnosed in 1 in 31 children. This rise is mostly due to better screening, broader definitions, and improved access across all communities. Vaccines do not cause autism. However, researchers are exploring other possible causes, including genetic and environmental factors. The SPARK study—the world’s largest autism research effort—is helping uncover these factors by collecting genetic, medical, and environmental data from hundreds of thousands of families. Together, we’re learning more so every child can have the healthiest start possible.
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
*The Central Marin/San Rafael service area includes the cities of San Rafael, Corte Madera, Larkspur, Ross Valley, and Fairfax. |
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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
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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.
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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