Vaccines and Informed Consent: Your Role in the Wake of ACIP Misinformation

At the June 2025 ACIP meeting, Lyn Redwood revived long-debunked claims about thimerosal and vaccine safety, misleadingly linking vaccines to autism and misrepresenting mercury science. While routine pediatric vaccines have been thimerosal-free since 2001, and extensive research confirms no connection between vaccines and autism, such misinformation continues to influence patient perceptions. Despite the lack of scientific basis, the panel voted 5-1 to recommend thimerosal-free single-dose influenza vaccines for children, pregnant women, and all adults. As a health care provider, informed consent means more than listing risks and benefits—it requires anticipating fears, dispelling myths with empathy, and grounding your guidance in clear, current evidence. Be proactive: tell patients what’s in their vaccines, what isn’t, and why vaccines remain among the safest, most effective tools in medicine. Learn more at https://www.vaccinesafety.edu/.  

Bird Flu isn't on Summer Break

Feline Flu

Marin County Public Health (MCPH) reminds doctors and veterinarians that any case of influenza A in cats must be reported immediately, as required by Title 17 CCR Section 2500. Influenza A, including H5 strains, is considered a novel virus infection with pandemic potential and poses a public health risk. Feline influenza A infection may signal a new source of human exposure. Prompt reporting allows health officials to monitor contacts and investigate sources, such as raw meat or milk. If you suspect feline flu, contact MCPH to coordinate testing (415-473-4163). For more information, visit What Veterinarians Need to Know about Bird Flu.

Firearm Injury Prevention: A Vital Role for Healthcare Providers

Each year, Marin County loses community members to firearm-related deaths—many of which are preventable. As healthcare providers, we are in a unique position to help reduce this risk and save lives.
If a patient—or someone they care about—is in emotional distress, encourage them to call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This free, confidential service is available 24/7. However, the future of this critical lifeline is at risk, as the federal government is considering cuts to its funding. Now more than ever, it’s important to raise awareness and ensure our patients know help is still available.
One of the most effective suicide prevention strategies is to increase time and distance between a person in crisis and a firearm. This means promoting safe storage practices: keeping firearms locked, unloaded, and stored separately from ammunition.
You can help by incorporating safe firearm storage counseling into clinical conversations. You should ASK (Asking Saves Kids), "is there an unlocked gun in your house?” and reinforce the importance of storing firearms unloaded and locked up. The resources below offer practical guidance:

• Marin Gun Safety Collaborative
• AAP: Gun Safety for Pediatricians
• UCSF BulletPoints Project – Provider tools for firearm injury prevention counseling

Fast Bikes, Young Riders, Big Risks: What Providers Need to Know

In response to a sharp rise in youth e-bike injuries, three more Marin jurisdictions—Larkspur, Corte Madera, and Fairfax—have joined the county in banning riders under 16 from operating class 2 e-bikes. These bikes, as manufactured, are capable of reaching 20 mph with a throttle, pose heightened safety risks, particularly for youth aged 10–15, who experience five times the accident rate of other age groups. Concerningly, it's not uncommon for e-bikes to be illegally modified to reach speeds of up to 40 mph, further increasing injury risk. The ordinance also mandates helmet use. Health care providers can support this effort by counseling families on e-bike safety, injury risks, and the importance of helmet use during routine visits.  Learn more in this article co-authored by Marin Health’s Drs. Maa and Alfrey:  Electric Bikes Are Emerging as Public Health Hazard.

Prepare Vaccine Storage for Emergencies and Power Outages

In preparation for wildfire season, all vaccine providers are recommended to register with their utility company to receive local emergency alerts.  Review and update your organization's plan for managing and relocating vaccines during emergencies, and confirm your organization has the necessary supplies, equipment, and trained staff to transport refrigerated vaccines and frozen vaccines if needed.  Identify a backup storage site that maintains proper vaccine temperatures, and if storing Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program vaccine, ensure the location complies with all VFC program requirements.  In areas prone to outages, consider installing backup power sources.  After any emergency event or power outage, document any temperature excursions, consult vaccine manufacturers if vaccines were exposed to out-of-range temperatures, and report any issues involving VFC vaccines in myCAvax. 

Message from the Health Officer