ADVISORY FROM MARIN COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
A child has died from measles in West Texas, marking the first U.S. measles death in a decade.
This outbreak, fueled by low vaccination rates, highlights the dangers of measles, which can lead to severe complications like pneumonia, deafness, and brain damage. Almost everyone who has not had the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine will get measles if they are exposed to the measles virus.
The outbreak is ongoing, with 159 cases reported in the past month, showing how quickly measles can spread in unvaccinated communities. People 6 months of age and older who will be traveling internationally or to communities with active measles outbreaks should be protected against measles. The usual vaccine schedule for MMR begins at 12 months of age. For additional information, visit our new webpage Information on Measles.
Vaccine Disruptions
Recent delays in key vaccine meetings at the CDC and FDA reduce transparency and exclude expert and public input in decision-making.
The February meeting of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee was postponed, and the FDA canceled a March meeting about flu vaccine composition.
This uncertainty comes amid a tough flu season and a rise in measles cases. Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued its recommendations for the 2025-2026 influenza season,and flu vaccine manufacturers state they remain on track to meet supply targets.
Locally, Marin County Public Health is monitoring the impact of anticipated reductions in federal funding on vaccine access, particularly through programs like the CDC’s Partnering for Vaccine Equity (P4VE), Medi-Cal, and national vaccine initiatives for both adults and children.
Why Inclusive Health Data Matters
Last month, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including the Office on Women’s Health, advanced President Trump’s executive order to define sex as only “male and female.” This narrow view ignores growing scientific evidence that an inclusive understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE) is essential for better healthcare. Collecting SOGI data helps identify health issues within LGBTQ+ communities, allowing healthcare providers to offer better care, target health programs, and build patient trust. Embracing an inclusive approach leads to improved health outcomes and more effective treatments and support for LGBTQ+ individuals.
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