|
|
|
|
Navigating COVID-19 Vaccine Updates: Guidance for Patients and Providers
Recent changes in federal COVID-19 vaccination recommendations have raised questions among patients and health care providers alike. It is important to understand that longstanding vaccine guidance has been developed over decades through a transparent, science-based process led by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). This committee carefully reviews data and expert input to ensure vaccine recommendations prioritize safety and effectiveness. The extensive body of scientific evidence demonstrates that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for people aged 6 months and older, including pregnant individuals and young children. Vaccination remains a key tool in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and complications associated with COVID-19, including risks during pregnancy and early infancy. Health care providers should proactively address concerns by discussing the known risks and benefits of vaccination. Encouraging patients to receive the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine supports individual and public health and helps maintain broad protection against the evolving virus.
|
|
Protecting Newborns: Preventing Hepatitis B and Congenital Syphilis
In California, two serious but preventable infections—hepatitis B and congenital syphilis—continue to threaten the health of newborns. Health care providers can safeguard infants from these risks through timely screening, vaccination, and testing. To prevent perinatal hepatitis B transmission, all pregnant patients should be screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). If a pregnant person tests positive, it is vital to administer the newborn’s hepatitis B vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth, followed by completion of the full vaccine series. After vaccination, infants must be tested through post-vaccination serologic testing (PVST) to confirm immunity and ensure they are not infected. Congenital syphilis cases have been on the rise, prompting the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to recommend syphilis testing at key points: the first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and again at delivery for those at risk. Early detection and treatment during pregnancy are essential to prevent transmission to the infant.
|
|
What Medi-Cal Cuts Could Mean in Marin
Governor Newsom’s May Revise budget proposes significant Medi-Cal cuts that will directly impact access to care in Marin County. These include freezing enrollment for adults with unsatisfactory immigration status, adding $100/month premiums, and eliminating dental, in-home support, and long-term care benefits for certain populations. The plan also reinstates the $2,000 asset limit for seniors and limits access to one class of prescription drugs. These changes will delay care, crowd emergency rooms, and increase uncompensated costs, straining our already burdened community health centers and hospitals. Immigrants and low-income residents are essential to Marin’s agriculture, construction, hospitality, caregiving, and domestic work sectors. Limiting their access to care risks disrupting vital services and frays the connections that make Marin thrive. Learn more about #Health4All at https://health-access.org/.
|
|
Mental Health Month Reminder: Keep It Top of Mind, Every Day
As May Mental Health Month wraps up, Marin Health and Human Services (HHS) thanks all healthcare providers who joined us in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and promoting healing. Your role in supporting mental wellness—both for patients and yourselves—is essential. Despite Marin’s strong health rankings, we continue to see elevated rates of suicide, substance use, and mental health needs. Mental health must remain a priority in our everyday patient interactions, not just once a year. Share these resources with your patients and their families:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text)
- Marin BHRS Access Line: 1-888-818-1115
- Marin Behavioral Health and Recovery Services: https://www.marinbhrs.org/
|
|
Alert: Emerging Drug Threats — Medetomidine and Carfentanil
Two dangerous substances—medetomidine and carfentanil—are increasingly appearing in the illicit drug supply, posing serious risks for overdose and death. Medetomidine is a veterinary sedative not approved for human use. Since 2022, it has been detected in street opioids across North America. Carfentanil is an extremely potent synthetic opioid—100 times stronger than fentanyl—used to sedate large animals. It has re-emerged in parts of the illicit drug supply and may not respond to standard naloxone doses, significantly increasing the risk of fatal overdose. Last month Santa Clara Department of Public Health confirmed the first carfentanil-related overdose death. These trends point to an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. Advise patients to avoid non-prescription pills, use fentanyl test strips, and carry naloxone (Narcan), an opioid-reversal drug. While naloxone can be effective in reversing overdoses, multiple high-dose administrations may be required in cases involving carfentanil. For overdose prevention tools, local data, and community resources, visit OD Free Marin.
|
|
Message from the Health Officer
Broader shifts in federal health policy are bringing renewed attention to public health and science. Recent actions by HHS—including unexpected changes to COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, public criticism of peer-reviewed medical journals, and controversy surrounding the scientific integrity of the MAHA Report—underscore the need for strong, trusted public health systems at the local level. Marin County Public Health remains committed to data-driven, evidence-based, and transparent communication. As federal messaging continues to shift, please support your patients by pointing them to the most current, science-based health guidance.
Thank you for your continued service, steadfast clinical leadership, and ongoing partnership.
Lisa Santora, MD MPH
Public Health Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
