Marin County Public Health Status Update for October 4, 2024, includes Heat Wave; Winter is Coming; RSV Vaccine; Virtual Event: Learn about THC and Nicotine Products for Marin Youth; Karma Club; 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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Heat Wave
As climate change leads to more frequent and severe heat waves, vulnerable populations face heightened risks of heat-related illnesses. Marin Public Health is working with community partners to raise awareness about heat safety. Marin epidemiologists created a Heat Map to identify Marin communities that are most vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat. Visit Marin Public Health’s Extreme Heat Event webpage for resources to help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Winter is Coming
Marin Public Health has a robust surveillance system to monitor viral respiratory illnesses. Given trends from previous years, we anticipate an increase in community transmission of respiratory viruses in late October to early November. Now is the time to get your vaccines, including flu and COVID-19. The CDC also recommends that adults aged 65 and older receive both the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, which covers more strains. Stay up to date with viral activity at our COVID-19 and Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages.
RSV Vaccine
Last year, a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was approved for older adults to help protect against respiratory syncytial virus. RSV and the flu can be serious for people over 65. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 75 and older, as well as adults 60–74 at higher risk, get the RSV vaccine once. In Marin, about 35% of the population is 75 or older, and 30% of those 65 and older have received the vaccine. Yearly RSV shots are not recommended at this time.
Virtual Event: Learn About THC and Nicotine Products for Marin Youth
Join us for the Let’s Talk Discussion – Just Say Know virtual event on Wednesday, October 9 at 7:00 PM to learn about the latest THC and nicotine products accessible to Marin youth. This month, the Governor issued emergency regulations on intoxicating hemp vapes, candies, and beverages marketed to young people. Don't miss insights from guest speakers Dr. Bonnie Halpern-Felsher, PhD, and Gabrielle Beyer! Register now.
Karma Club
In the recovery phase of the pandemic, we are seeing educational attainment gaps in Marin widen along income, racial, and ethnic lines. Adults with higher educational attainment live healthier and longer lives compared to their less educated peers (see the Marin County Life Expectancy dashboard). Karma Club, a free afterschool teen center at the Northgate Mall, has launched the FuturePrep program. FuturePrep offers college preparation support for low- and middle-income students by covering crucial expenses such as AP exam fees, application costs, and college counseling services. Visit Karma Club – Free Teen Community Space to learn more and/or register (Marin County residents between the ages of 13 and 19 are eligible).
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
Find in-depth analysis of viral activity at Marin COVID-19 Surveillance and Marin Influenza and RSV Surveillance webpages.
Resource Link Library
How to protect yourself ...
CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
What to do if...
You’ve tested Positive, or you've been exposed to someone with COVID-19
Online Resources
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing | Marin COVID-19 Data | State COVID-19 Data | State Variant Data | CDC Community Transmission Data
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