RSV Vaccine

Last year, a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine was approved for older adults, providing additional protection against respiratory syncytial virus. RSV and flu are associated with substantial mortality among older adults > 65 years old. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages 75 and older and adults ages 60–74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease get an RSV vaccine once.  Marin Public Health epidemiologists estimate that 35% of our population is 75 and older and 30% of Marin residents are 65 and older and have received this vaccine.  At this time, annual (seasonal) RSV vaccination is not recommended.

Fall Vaccine Opportunities

Immunizations are a core prevention strategy to lower risk from respiratory viruses.  Residents can obtain vaccines from their healthcare providers, in pharmacies, or in dedicated vaccine clinics. Marin Public Health and Safeway Pharmacy are offering COVID, flu (regular and high dose), and RSV vaccinations at the Marin Health and Wellness Campus, located at 3240 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael. Clinics are scheduled on October 12 and 26, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed for lunch from 12:45 PM to 1:30 PM). For more information and to schedule an appointment, visit the Safeway Vaccination Clinic.

Mpox

Got Milk? H5N1 Update

Teeth, Fangs, and Vaccine

We frequently receive after-hours inquiries about post-exposure rabies prophylaxis. Rabies is endemic in Marin's bat population. With about 10% testing positive, bats are the main source of rabies exposure in our area. Marin Public Health, in partnership with Marin Humane, addresses animal bites and ensures timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Complex cases often involve pediatric patients bitten by unidentified dogs. We urge health care providers to review our Rabies Information website and encourage pet owners to keep their cats and dogs up to date on rabies vaccinations.

Weathering the Storms: National Preparedness Month

Suicide Prevention

With suicide rates in Marin County higher than state averages, identifying at-risk individuals, providing support and interventions, and facilitating access to mental health resources is critical. As part of National Suicide Prevention Month,  the Marin Suicide Prevention Collaborative launched the Ask, Listen, Connect campaign and introduced the 988 Hope and Help toolkit. This month, Marin Public Health epidemiologists also published a suicide prevention data dashboard, which provides interactive data to monitor suicide trends and support prevention efforts in the community. Please take time to care for yourself, review and share these resources.

Message from the Public Health Officer

Last week in his Farewell Message, Dr. Willis looked back on his 12 years as Marin County's Health Officer and highlighted our community's “superpower” - recognizing our shared interdependence and taking collective action.  In his next chapter, Dr. Willis will focus on climate health and enhancing public health communication.  You can find his “next post” at Your Local Epidemiologist, which is a newsletter that translates public health science for the community.  Our Public Health team is deeply grateful for Dr. Willis’ leadership on both blue sky and gray sky days.   Safe travels, Dr. Willis! Embrace the adventure ahead and enjoy the journey.

In Gratitude,

Lisa M. Santora, MD, MPH
Public Health Officer
 

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