Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – Marin County Public Health is reaffirming its continued commitment to the evidence-based childhood and adolescent immunization schedule that has protected generations of children and communities.
Despite recent federal changes announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), there is no change to Marin County Public Health’s vaccine recommendations, which remain aligned with the longstanding schedule supported by medical and public health experts.
For decades, the recommended childhood immunization schedule has been developed through a rigorous, transparent scientific process and reflects best practices for preventing serious and sometimes life-threatening diseases. Marin County Public Health continues to support the schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and endorsed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the West Coast Health Alliance.
Parents and caregivers can be reassured that the science supporting routine childhood vaccination has not changed. Childhood vaccines remain among the most thoroughly studied medical interventions in history and have prevented millions of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States and worldwide. Their safety and effectiveness are supported by decades of research, continuous safety monitoring, and real-world data.
“While ongoing federal actions related to vaccines create confusion at the national level, they do not change the scientific evidence or our recommendations here in Marin County,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County Public Health Officer. “The existing childhood immunization schedule reflects decades of independent scientific review and remains the best way to protect children, families, and the broader community.”
In California, the recommended immunization schedule — including requirements for school and childcare entry — remains unchanged. Vaccines recommended by the State of California and the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to be covered by health plans and insurers regulated by the state. Vaccines are available at no cost from health care providers, many local pharmacies, and other authorized providers. To schedule a vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider or visit myturn.ca.gov.
Vaccines recommended under the longstanding immunization schedule remain available and covered by both public and private insurers, including through the federal Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. In Marin, more than half of all childhood vaccines are provided through VFC, making continued alignment with evidence-based recommendations essential to maintaining access and choice for families.
Marin County Public Health encourages parents and caregivers with questions about conflicting national messages to speak with their child’s healthcare provider, who remains a trusted source of guidance on vaccine safety, effectiveness, and timing.
Marin County Public Health will remain aligned with CDPH and regional partners and will continue to monitor federal and state developments. Updates will be shared as new information becomes available.
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