Public Health Newsletter - July 2023Public Health Newsletter - July 2023
Marin County Public Health Newsletter - July 2023
In this Issue: Climate Change & Infectious Diseases | Vaccines & the "Tripledemic" Viruses | Reportable Disease Requirements I Wildfire Information | Preventing Skin Cancer in Marin | Supporting Pediatric Provider Workforce | Message from the Deputy Public Health Officer
A message to physicians and other health care providers from Marin County's Public Health Officers.
Climate Change and Infectious Diseases
This month, the CDC reported cases of malaria that were acquired in the United States. The presence of malaria-carrying mosquitoes in Florida signals the northern migration of tropical disease vectors due to climate change. No locally acquired malaria cases have been reported in California. A wet spring has increased local mosquito activity. The Marin/Sonoma Mosquito & Vector Control District samples local mosquito populationsfor emerging diseases and offers guidance for personal protection.
Vaccines and the "Tripledemic" Viruses
Last month, the FDA and CDC agreed on recommendations for a monovalent fall COVID-19 vaccine targeting the XBB lineage. The CDC also announced recommendations for a newly developed RSV vaccine for adults 60 years and older. The annual flu shot will also soon become available. The availability of all three vaccines can mitigate the “tripledemic” experienced last year. So far, FDA and CDC have not issued any guidance regarding potentially spacing out vaccines for patients who receive all three. The CDC ACIP has posted their recommendations from the most recent meeting. Clinicians should stay aware of recommendations as fall grows nearer. For additional resources visit: The California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branchwebsite.
With climate change impacting the severity and the likelihood of fires, it’s important to stay aware and prepared during the wildfire season. Marin County provides resources for the community to prepare and stay informed when wildfires threaten our health. The CDC recommends healthcare providers inform patients at high risk (e.g. people with asthma, COPD, heart disease, young children, and those who are pregnant) about the hazards of breathing wildfire smoke. See the list of resources by the CDC for healthcare professionals to remain informed about wildfires.
Preventing Skin Cancer in Marin
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer among Marin County residents. July marks UV Safety Awareness Month. The CDC advises health care providers to remind patients about the importance of sun safety and recommends the use of sunscreen, sun protective clothing, and to find shade when appropriate. Skin checks remain an important screening step in preventive care. Staying aware of the local UV index can help prevent overexposure to harmful solar radiation.
Supporting our Pediatric Provider Workforce
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services has launched a new Pediatric Specialty Loan Repayment Program to recruit and retain clinicians who provide health care to children and adolescents. Clinicians who agree to provide three years of full-time pediatric care, or child and adolescent behavioral health care can receive loan repayment assistance up to $100,000.
Message from the Deputy Health Officer
Marin Public Health is now actively preparing for the wildfire season, which includes extreme heat and extended power outages. Healthcare providers can share disease-specific emergency readiness materials with patients to help them prepare for disasters and emergencies. Another important strategy to increase community preparedness is Lifesaving Skills Training. The Marin Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC) offers these trainings countywide throughout the year. On August 19, Marin EMS is partnering with the MMRC, county fire departments, and local hospitals to host its annual sidewalk CPR event. On this day, free lifesaving skills training, including hands-only CPR, AED use, Narcan, and Stop the Bleed, will be offered at multiple locations countywide (#marinsidewalkcpr). We look forward to seeing you, your staff and your patients on the 19th.
Requests for disability accommodations may be made by phoning (415) 473-4381 (Voice), CA Relay 711 or by e-mail at DisabilityAccess@MarinCounty.org. Copies of documents are available in alternative formats, upon request.
Our mailing address is:
3240 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael, CA 94901
