Marin County Public Health Status Update for November 21, 2025, includes Vaccine Safety and Misinformation; Monitoring H5 Viruses Locally and Encouraging Safe Practices this Season; Marin County BOS passes Tobacco Ordinance; Support is Available—Reach Out for Help when Stress or Sadness Increase; Plan Ahead for Storms and Flooding—Stay Informed with Alert Marin; CDPH Launches Public Hotline for ByHeart Infant Formula Concerns; SNAP Funding Extended through 2026, but Food Insecurity Remains a Community Concern; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
Marin County Public Health protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies.
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Vaccine Safety and Misinformation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently updated its vaccine safety webpage to include a statement that the claim “vaccines do not cause autism” is not an evidence-based claim. This statement contradicts decades of high-quality research demonstrating no causal link between vaccination and autism. We reaffirm the scientific consensus: vaccines protect children and communities. Misleading information undermines public trust and increases the risk of preventable disease outbreaks. Marin County Public Health remains committed to sharing accurate, evidence-based information.
Monitoring H5 Viruses Locally and Encouraging Safe Practices this Season
The first confirmed human case of avian influenza A (H5N5) in the U.S. has been reported in Washington State. Meanwhile, in Marin County, the wastewater-surveillance system continues monitoring for H5 and other respiratory viruses, and our local risk remains low. Residents are urged to wash hands regularly, wear masks in crowded indoor settings, avoid unpasteurized dairy, and not handle sick or dead birds. If you observe unusual bird deaths, contact the appropriate health or wildlife authorities. As we continue to march through respiratory season, now is the perfect time to get both your flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine.
Marin County BOS passes Tobacco Ordinance
The Marin County Board of Supervisors officially passed a minimum tobacco price and vape sales ban to reduce youth access to nicotine products and promote health equity in the unincorporated areas of Marin. The ordinance includes (1) a $12 minimum price for tobacco and nicotine products, (2) a ban on vapes and heated smoking devices, (3) an end to coupons and discounts, and (4) a $1 automatic price increase every two years starting 9/1/2026.
Support is Available—Reach Out for Help when Stress or Sadness Increase
The holiday season can bring both joy and stress for many individuals and families. Feelings of loneliness, grief, or financial strain may increase during this time. Marin County encourages residents to care for their mental health and reach out for support when needed. Free and confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Additional local resources are listed at marinhhs.org/988.
Plan Ahead for Storms and Flooding—Stay Informed with Alert Marin
As Marin enters storm and flood season, residents are encouraged to make an emergency plan and prepare for heavy rain and potential flooding. Identify how your household will receive alerts, gather essential supplies, and plan evacuation routes. Sign up for Alert Marin at www.alertmarin.org to receive emergency notifications. Staying informed and prepared helps protect your family, neighbors, and community as we face increasing weather-related challenges.
CDPH Launches Public Hotline for ByHeart Infant Formula Concerns
In response to the ongoing infant botulism outbreak linked to ByHeart infant formula, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has launched a public hotline to provide information and guidance. Call 1-833-398-2022, toll-free, seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. PT. Trained staff can answer questions about signs of infant botulism, what to do if your baby consumed ByHeart formula, how to safely handle recalled products, and where to find updates and treatment resources.
SNAP Funding Extended through 2026, but Food Insecurity Remains a Community Concern
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will remain funded through September 2026, ensuring millions of families continue receiving food assistance. While this is an important step in supporting food access, SNAP benefits are designed to supplement, not fully meet, a household’s nutritional needs. Many families still face challenges affording balanced meals. Strengthening local food programs and addressing the root causes of food insecurity remain essential to helping all residents achieve lasting health and stability.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
We’re excited to introduce Marin County’s new Respiratory Virus Dashboard, which brings together local information on COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV in one place. The dashboard includes data on wastewater virus levels, hospitalizations, and vaccination coverage—providing a clearer picture of respiratory virus activity across the county.
This update combines information that was previously shared on separate COVID-19 and flu pages and adds information on flu B in wastewater as well as expanded details for vaccination coverage. It was developed using feedback from our recent public survey about how residents use our existing respiratory virus dashboards, helping us design a tool that’s easier to navigate and more responsive to community needs and current data availability. We’ve also aligned our wastewater level reporting with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to show five levels of virus activity—very low, low, moderate, high, and very high—so that our local data can be interpreted consistently and compared with state reporting.
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 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.
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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