Marin County Public Health Status Update for December 19, 2025, includes New Childhood Vaccine Resource Site; Time to get the Flu Shot; Make Sure You’re Covered for the Year Ahead; Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia; That Fungi is Poison; and Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance.
Marin County Public Health (MCPH) protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies. The MCPH 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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Marin Launches New Childhood Vaccine Resource Site
Marin County Public Health has launched www.marinhhs.org/vaccine-resources, a new webpage to support families who may have questions about childhood vaccines. We know parents want clear, reliable information, and we also recognize that confusing or conflicting messages can make decisions harder. The site offers easy-to-understand guidance on hepatitis B and other childhood vaccines. It also explains common misconceptions and what the best available evidence shows. For example, globally, more than 1 billion doses of the hepatitis B vaccine have been given, with strong data on safety and effectiveness. The birth dose, recommended since 1991, protects newborns during their highest-risk period. The Marin IJ highlighted these points recently. Families are encouraged to explore the site and use these resources when making health decisions.
See for Yourself: Time to Get the Flu Shot
Marin County Public Health has launched a new respiratory virus webpage with up-to-date information on flu, COVID-19, RSV, and local vaccination rates. This season, only 35% of Marin residents are up to date on flu vaccination, and coverage among adults 65+ has dropped from 70% to 56%—a 20% decline. With holiday travel and gatherings expected to drive a January rise in flu, likely overlapping with COVID and RSV surges, it’s not too late to get vaccinated. The flu shot reduces severe illness, protects those at highest risk, and supports our healthcare system. Vaccines are widely available across Marin.
Make Sure You’re Covered for the Year Ahead
Now is a good time to check your health insurance plan and make sure it still meets your needs. Big changes to federal programs are coming next year, and some people may lose access to affordable coverage if they don’t take action. Covered California makes it easy to compare plans and see if you qualify for financial help or Medi-Cal. If you are unsure where to start, visit CoveredCA.com or explore the new Access to Care section in our Resource Link Library below for simple guides and local support.
Marburg Virus Outbreak in Ethiopia: One Health Perspective
Ethiopia has confirmed an outbreak of Marburg virus disease, following a spillover event from wildlife to people. Early investigations point to Rousettus fruit bats, the natural hosts of Marburg virus. This outbreak is notable because it is new to this region, where shifting climate patterns may be expanding bat habitats and increasing opportunities for human–wildlife contact. There is no risk to Marin County, but this event highlights how human, animal, and environmental health are closely connected. As warming temperatures and changing ecosystems alter where animals live, the chances of spillover events can rise. Support local efforts that protect wildlife habitats and reduce risky human–animal interactions.
That Fungi is Poison
Never trust a big bulb and a smooth cap. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is warning Marin residents and visitors, including foragers, hikers, and dog owners, not to pick or eat wild mushrooms after a recent outbreak of amatoxin poisoning. The main concern is the death cap mushroom (Amanita phalloides), which grows in Marin and looks similar to edible varieties. As of December 11, 2025, 23 poisoning cases have been reported statewide, including severe liver damage and one death. Death caps are extremely dangerous; cooking, boiling, drying, or freezing them does not make them safe. Dogs are also at high risk because they may sniff, chew, or swallow toxic mushrooms during walks. Keep pets on-leash in wooded areas and remove mushrooms from yards promptly. If you suspect poisoning, call the California Poison Control System at 1-800-222-1222 (Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435) right away.
Marin Respiratory Virus Surveillance
We’ve launched Marin County’s new Respiratory Virus Dashboard, which combines local COVID-19, flu, and RSV information in one place.
Resource Link Library
Public Health
CDPH’s Respiratory Viruses Hub provides practical recommendations and information to help people lower risk from a range of common respiratory viral illnesses, including COVID-19, flu, and RSV.
Find materials and information to help answer vaccine questions and concerns on Marin County Public Health’s Vaccine Resources page: https://www.marinhhs.org/vaccine-resources
Vaccine Locations | Vaccine Information | Free COVID-19 Testing
Sign up for AlertMarin, the county’s emergency notification system.
Access to Care
Get free, confidential help to explore your health coverage options and enroll through Covered California at: https://www.coveredca.com.
You can search for nearby Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) — community clinics that offer low-cost or free health care — at: https://aliadoshealth.org/health-centers/
Learn about health coverage options for low-income adults through the County Medical Services Program at https://cmspcounties.org/healthcare-within-reach/.
Nutrition Security
Access free groceries and home-delivered food through the SF-Marin Food Bank’s Food Locator and emergency programs, with help available by calling or texting (415) 824-3663 or emailing help@sfmfoodbank.org.
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.
You may qualify for California WIC if you live in California, are pregnant or caring for a child under 5, and meet income guidelines or receive Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, or CalFresh. Use the WIC eligibility assessment to check your eligibility.
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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