News Release —
Vaccines Are Your Best Defense This Fall and Winter

Marin County, CA – Marin County Public Health encourages all residents to protect themselves and their loved ones this season by getting the updated COVID‑19 and flu vaccines and by receiving the RSV vaccine if they have not done so previously. 

Entering the 2026–2027 respiratory virus season, Marin County is seeing a rise in COVID‑19 transmission, with flu and RSV expected to surge starting this fall and winter.

Leading health authorities, including California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the West Coast Health Alliance, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics, agree that vaccines are the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization, and strain on our health care system.

Who Should Get Vaccinated

Marin County Public Health follows the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and West Coast Health Alliance guidance, which recommends:

• Flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older
• COVID‑19 vaccine for everyone 6 months and older, especially:
  • Infants 6–23 months
  • Children 2–18 with risk factors or who are unvaccinated
  • Adults 18–64 with risk factors
  • Adults 65 and older, with an additional dose 6 months later
  • Pregnant or lactating people
  • Healthcare workers and those around vulnerable individuals
• RSV vaccine:
  • One-time dose for adults 75 and older, and adults 50–74 with risk factors
  • Prenatal vaccination at 32–36 weeks or passive antibody immunization for infants to protect babies younger than 8 months
  • Children 8-19 months with risk factors

“Vaccines remain the most effective shield we have against respiratory illnesses,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County Public Health Officer. “Getting vaccinated now can prevent severe disease, hospital stays, and disruptions to everyday life.”

Why Now?

• COVID‑19 levels in Bay Area wastewater are rising.
• Flu and RSV are approaching season peaks. Flu illness typically peaks between December and February. 
• RSV season begins in October and typically continues through spring. 
• Vaccination provides strong defense against all three respiratory viruses and reduces community spread and healthcare system burden.

Take Action Today

1. Schedule your vaccines for COVID‑19 and flu (administered together, safely), and RSV if eligible.
2. Continue prevention basics: stay home if sick, cover your cough, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
3. Wear a mask in health care settings after November 1.
4. Check your coverage: Most insurance plans and Medi-Cal cover these vaccines.

Where to Get Vaccinated

• Primary care providers and pediatricians: Ask during your regular visit to your health care provider’s office or clinic.
• Pharmacies: CVS, Walgreens, Safeway, and Costco offer flu, COVID‑19, and RSV shots; appointments or walk‑ins are available, depending on location.
• Marin County Public Health Vaccine Finder Tool: Find flu and COVID-19 shots at a mobile clinics and events throughout Marin.

Stay safe and strong this season. Get vaccinated today to protect yourself, your family, and your community.