Public Health Status Update for 09/19/2025

Marin County Public Health Status Update for September 19, 2025, includes 2025-2026 COVID-19 Vaccine: Protecting Our Community; Vaccines Save Lives; Supporting Youth Reproductive Health in Marin; Healing Through Connection: Ending Stigma in Marin; Know Your Catch: Safe Fish Choices at Soulajule Reservoir; Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Marin; 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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2025–26 COVID-19 Vaccine: Protecting Our Community 

The COVID-19 vaccine remains the best protection against the virus. It reduces the risk of severe illness and helps keep families, schools, and workplaces safe. Vaccines are now available at local pharmacies, and starting this week, Kaiser Permanente members ages 6 months and older can walk in to receive the 2025–26 COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Kaiser experts have carefully reviewed the latest scientific evidence and recommendations from leading medical organizations, updating guidance to recommend vaccination for all members. This aligns with Marin County Public Health’s guidance for everyone 6 months and older to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. 

Vaccines Save Lives 

Last week, the state legislature approved AB 144 to ensure Californians maintain access to vaccines, regardless of federal policy changes. AB 144 establishes a baseline vaccine schedule based on national recommendations and authorizes the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to update it with guidance from leading medical groups. The law also provides liability protection for vaccine providers through January 1, 2030. Vaccines recommended today are backed by decades of research, involving tens of thousands of participants in rigorous clinical trials. They are continually monitored through multiple independent safety systems in the U.S. and worldwide. Trusted medical panels apply the same scientific standards used for all essential medicines, giving families confidence that vaccine guidance is grounded in strong evidence and designed to protect health. 

Supporting Youth Reproductive Health in Marin 

Adolescents need safe, confidential access to reproductive health care, including contraception, STI testing, and guidance on healthy relationships. Federal actions threaten that access: a court ruling has imposed a one-year ban on Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, and mifepristone, an essential medication for early abortion care and miscarriage management, faces renewed national challenges. Locally, the need is clear. From 2021 to 2023, chlamydia rates among teens nearly tripled, and nearly 100 teen births were recorded. In Marin, Planned Parenthood, school-based wellness centers, and community clinics provide critical care to all youth, regardless of income. Sustaining these trusted providers is vital to protecting community health. 

Healing Through Connection: Ending Stigma in Marin 

September is Suicide Prevention and Recovery Month in Marin. It’s a time to learn, talk, and act. Suicide is preventable, and recovery from mental health and substance use challenges is possible. You can help by checking in with friends, family, and coworkers. Listen without judgment. If someone talks about feeling hopeless, withdrawing, or making a plan to hurt themselves, take it seriously and seek help. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime. In an emergency, call 911 and ask for a Crisis Intervention Team–trained response. Join us at virtual and in-person events this month: https://prevention.marinbhrs.org/suicide-prevention-recovery-month-2025.   

Know Your Catch: Safe Fish Choices at Soulajule Reservoir 

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has issued a fish safety advisory for Soulajule Reservoir. Marin Water, which manages the reservoir, supplies safe drinking water and offers recreational opportunities. Signs have been posted at the reservoir to warn visitors. The reservoir sits in a watershed with natural mercury deposits. Mercury can build up in fish and eating too much can harm brain development—especially in children and unborn babies. The OEHHA advisory gives guidance on which types of fish from Soulajule are safe to eat. It’s important to know that drinking water from Soulajule meets all state and federal standards. Marin Water runs more than 115,000 water quality and process control tests each year. These include testing at water treatment plants and laboratory testing of water samples. You can read the Marin Water annual water quality report to learn more at: marinwater.org/AWQR  

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month in Marin 

Each year from September 15 to October 15, we honor Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing the history, culture, and contributions of the Latino community. In Marin, families bring rich traditions that strengthen our neighborhoods, schools, and health. This month is also a chance to celebrate wellness. Eating healthy foods, staying active, and getting regular check-ups help us all live longer, stronger lives. Community health centers, local events, and family gatherings highlight the importance of caring for each other and maintaining connection. 

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.