Public Health Provider Newsletter - November 2025Public Health Provider Newsletter - November 2025
Marin County Public Health Newsletter - November 2025
In this Issue: Vaccine Disinformation at the Federal Level | COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months to < 3 Years | CDPH Recommendation: Male Partner Treatment for Recurrent BV | Clinical Guidance: Infant Botulism Linked to ByHeart Infant Formula | Marin Rallies in Response to Food Insecurity | World AIDS Day Event | Message from the Health Officer
A message to physicians and other healthcare providers from Marin County's Public Health Officers.
Vaccine Disinformation at the Federal Level
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently revised language on its vaccine safety webpage, to suggest that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based. This wording conflicts with decades of rigorous, peer-reviewed research showing no causal relationship between vaccines and autism. Although neurologic vaccine adverse events are extremely rare and significant for the families affected, the benefits of vaccination overwhelmingly outweigh these risks. Vaccines are safe, effective, and essential for protecting children and communities. Regardless of evolving federal communications, Marin County Public Health (MCPH) remains committed to providing clear, evidence-based information and to supporting healthcare providers in promoting vaccination as a cornerstone of preventive care. We encourage providers to consult Immunize.org and the Vaccine Safety Resource Center (vaccinesafety.edu) for clear, evidence-based guidance on vaccine science and safety.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 6 Months to < 3 Years
Access gaps persist for this age group because pharmacies do not vaccinate children under three. MCPH has a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine available for families needing doses for their young children. To arrange an appointment before doses expire at the end of December, please contact MarinCD@marincounty.gov or call 415-473-4163.
CDPH Recommendation: Male Partner Treatment for Recurrent BV
The CDPH Office of STIs and HCV has issued a new Dear Colleague Letter advising clinicians to consider concurrent treatment of male partners of women with confirmed recurrent bacterial vaginosis in ongoing monogamous relationships. This approach aims to reduce recurrence and improve treatment outcomes.
Clinical Guidance: Infant Botulism Linked to ByHeart Infant Formula
Following the ongoing infant botulism outbreak associated with ByHeart infant formula, MCPH issued an advisory earlier this month. We ask healthcare providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for infant botulism in formula-fed infants. Key symptoms include constipation, poor feeding, weak cry, diminished suck/gag, and respiratory difficulty. If infant botulism is suspected, immediately consult the Infant Botulism Treatment and Prevention Program (IBTPP) for guidance. Please report suspected cases immediately by calling 415-473-4163.
Marin Rallies in Response to Food Insecurity
Earlier this month, the County of Marin activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when SNAP/CalFresh benefits were delayed. Working with community partners, the county rapidly distributed food to affected individuals and families. The Marin Community Foundation also launched the Food on Every Table Fund, which provided direct assistance to those in need and will support the development of a countywide nutrition security plan. Healthcare providers play a key role in promoting nutrition security by routinely screening for food insecurity and referring to programs including CalFresh, WIC, and community-based resources. We encourage all providers to integrate food insecurity screening and referral into everyday practice to support patients and strengthen community health.
World AIDS Day Event - December 5
You’re invited to a World AIDS Day gathering to honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, and reflect on major advances in HIV prevention and treatment. The event will be held at Vivalon (999 3rd St., San Rafael) on December 5, 2025, 5:30–7:30 PM. Speakers include Jane Spahr and Karyn Kleinman (Marin LGBTQ+ Center), Marcelino Alcorta (AIDS Healthcare Foundation), and Dr. Melanie Thompson (Marin County Public Health). More than 40 years into the epidemic, effective antiretroviral therapy, U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable), and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) have transformed HIV care and prevention. We encourage all providers to routinely screen for HIV and actively offer PrEP to patients who may benefit.
Message from the Health Officer
Dear Colleagues,
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded of what first drew me to public health as a medical student. At the free clinic, I cared for patients whose only other option was the emergency room, and as a student health educator, I saw how outreach, education, and advocacy could connect individuals and families with the resources that strengthen their health and well-being. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to witness real progress: declining vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV becoming a manageable chronic condition, and the expansion of Medi-Cal for All and Covered California, extending coverage to many who were previously uninsured.
Today, as we face growing challenges and deliberate efforts to erode public health and healthcare systems, our work together matters more than ever. I’m thankful to serve in a community that values science, compassion, and collective action. Marin continues to show what’s possible—from pandemic response to supporting families through disruptions in food security.
I’m grateful for each of you, and for our shared commitment to protecting these hard-won gains and advancing the health of our community.
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
Following the ongoing infant botulism outbreak associated with ByHeart infant formula, MCPH issued an 
You’re invited to a World AIDS Day gathering to honor lives lost, celebrate survivors, and reflect on major advances in HIV prevention and treatment. The event will be held at Vivalon (999 3rd St., San Rafael) on December 5, 2025, 5:30–7:30 PM. Speakers include Jane Spahr and Karyn Kleinman (
As Thanksgiving approaches, I’m reminded of what first drew me to public health as a medical student. At the free clinic, I cared for patients whose only other option was the emergency room, and as a student health educator, I saw how outreach, education, and advocacy could connect individuals and families with the resources that strengthen their health and well-being. Over the years, I’ve been grateful to witness real progress: declining vaccine-preventable diseases, HIV becoming a manageable chronic condition, and the expansion of Medi-Cal for All and Covered California, extending coverage to many who were previously uninsured.
