Beyfortus Shortage

This year two new forms of protection against RSV were released—a conventional vaccine for adults, and an antibody formulation for infants (Beyfortus™). The supply of nirsevimab (Beyfortus™) has fallen far below demand, resulting in a local shortage.  Last month, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended prioritizing available 100 mg doses for young infants aged <6 months with underlying conditions who are at increased risk for severe disease, and stopping use in children aged 8–19 months during the 2023–2024 season. In light of this shortage, MCPH strongly recommends that providers vaccinate pregnant patients between 32 - 36 weeks with the RSV vaccine to provide their infants with antibody protection during the first 6 months of life.

COVID-19 Level at Medium and the Updated COVID-19 Vaccine

Due to higher concentrations of COVID-19 found in the wastewater, Marin County has increased to Marin COVID level to medium levels this week. Currently only 36% of Marin residents 65 and older are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine and only 16% of residents countywide are up to date. This month on Wednesdays and Thursdays, Safeway is offering COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines to non-Kaiser patients ages 19 and older at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus (3240 Kerner Blvd in San Rafael).  Walk-ins and appointments are welcome.  Please refer your patients to our only weekend vaccine clinic on Saturday, November 18th from 9 am to 3 pm.

Tracking Local COVID-19 Severe Illness Burden

MCPH has created a comprehensive  and accessible Marin County "Respiratory Virus Season" communications toolkit for your use. This toolkit includes open-source graphics, printable flyers, video reels, pre-written captions, and alt-text in English and Spanish. The toolkit is available to download online.  Please share and post widely.

Mpox Advisory

Last week Marin County Public Health (MCPH) issued a Public Health Advisory with updated clinical guidance on mpox. Mpox cases are rising statewide, and for the first time in nearly a year, a case of mpox was reported in Marin that coincided with viral detection in local wastewater. Clinicians should take a sexual history, consider mpox when evaluating rashes, and recommend the JYNNEOS vaccine for patients at risk. Contact MCPH at (415) 473-4163 for clinical support or visit https://www.marinhhs.org/mpox for more information.

Gun Violence Restraining Order

Firearms are responsible for the majority of suicides and homicides in the United States.  A Temporary Gun Violence Restraining Order is a tool to protect persons in crisis by temporarily preventing access to guns and ammunition. The person's immediate family member, including a spouse, parent, child, grandparent, or any other person who regularly lives with them now or lived with them in the last 6 months, can file a restraining order online or at Marin County Superior Court. Clinicians who are concerned about a patient’s access to guns can contact local law enforcement to assess for a temporary restraining order.  Learn more at Prevent and Prepare | California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

APEC