Newsroom

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on December 9 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health urges residents to take proactive measures to protect themselves against respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, seasonal influenza (flu), Avian Influenza (H5N1), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). While some people may experience mild symptoms, others can become seriously ill, with some requiring hospitalization or dying from the infection.   

The respiratory virus season in San Bernardino County typically starts in November and continues through April. Vaccination against COVID-19 and flu remains the most effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from these viruses and their potentially serious outcomes. This is especially important for those at higher risk of developing severe illnesses, such as older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions. 

“Getting vaccinated and utilizing testing when needed are simple, effective steps we can all take to reduce the spread of illness and keep our communities safe,” stated Dr. Sharon Wang, San Bernardino County Health Officer. “The more proactive we are, the better we can protect our most vulnerable residents and avoid overwhelming our healthcare systems.” 

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released the vaccine recommendations for the 2025-26 respiratory virus season. California state law has also been updated to ensure continued access to vaccines. In most instances, recommended vaccines will continue to be covered by health plans, including Medi-Cal managed care plans and other insurance companies. If you have questions about coverage, check with your health plan or health insurer. If you have questions about coverage, check with your health plan or health insurer. 

2025-2026 CDPH Vaccination Recommendations for COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV 

San Bernardino County residents are encouraged to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations to help protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). 

To view the full vaccination schedule, visit cdph.ca.gov/vaccineschedule. 

Children: 

• All children 6 months and older should receive the flu vaccine. 

• Children ages 6–23 months are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and those ages 2–18 years with risk factors or who have never been vaccinated should also be protected. 

• Children younger than 8 months are recommended to receive RSV protection, and those 8–19 months old with certain health conditions may also qualify. 

• Vaccination is also encouraged for any child who is in close contact with individuals at higher risk for severe illness or whose family chooses additional protection. 

Pregnancy: 

• Those who are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, postpartum, or lactating are recommended to receive both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines. 

• Pregnant individuals between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation are also eligible for the RSV vaccine, which helps protect newborns after birth. 

Adults: 

• Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each year. 

• Adults 65 years and older, and younger adults with underlying health conditions or risk factors, are encouraged to stay current with COVID-19 vaccines. 

• RSV vaccination is recommended for adults 75 years and older, and for those 50–74 years with certain health conditions. 

• Anyone who lives with or cares for someone at higher risk—or simply wants added protection for Covid-19—can also benefit from vaccination. 

Understanding COVID-19, Influenza, Avian Flu, and RSV 

How to Protect Yourself  

• Stay up to date on vaccines as recommended by CDPH. 

• Get COVID-19 and flu testing and treatments as soon as you can. Antiviral medications may be available for high-risk individuals and can help reduce the severity of symptoms if taken early. 

• Consider extra precautions to reduce spread: 

• Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces  

• Increase ventilation by opening windows and doors  

• Stay away from others if you are sick  

• Wash your hands often  

• Cover your cough or sneeze 

Recognizing Symptoms 

Signs and symptoms of COVID-19, flu, avian flu, and RSV may vary, but are often similar to the common cold and can include: 

• Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, sore throat, headache, and runny nose 

• COVID-19 symptoms may sometimes include loss of taste or smell. 

• Flu symptoms may sometimes include vomiting and diarrhea, particularly in children. 

• Avian flu symptoms can also sometimes include eye infections or diarrhea. 

• RSV can cause wheezing and, in severe cases, can lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, particularly in infants, young children, and older adults. 

When to Seek Medical Attention 

Seek care immediately if you experience: 

• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips or face.  

• A high fever lasting more than three days or experiencing severe weakness. 

     Also seek medical care if: 

• You develop flu-like symptoms after contact with birds, cattle, or other farm animals, or after visiting poultry or livestock farms. 

• You are at higher risk and develop flu symptoms. Contact your healthcare provider right away.  

Who is at Risk? 

Certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, flu, and RSV, including: 

• Adults aged 65 and older 

• Children under 5, especially those under 2 years old 

• Pregnant women 

• Individuals with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma 

• Individuals with weakened immune systems 

Avian Flu (H5N1) 

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has been working with CDPH and California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to reduce the risk of spread at farms when avian flu is detected among poultry and/or cattle.  

The risk of infection from avian flu remains relatively low. No person-to-person spread of avian flu has been detected in California. However, individuals who work closely with birds, poultry, or cattle should continue to use caution and follow proper safety guidelines when handling sick or dead animals. Getting the seasonal flu vaccine is also recommended to help reduce the risk of coinfection with both seasonal flu and avian flu.  

For more information on avian flu please visit dph.sbcounty.gov/birdflu.  

Influenza-Like Illness Surveillance Dashboard 

The County’s Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) surveillance dashboard is an interactive and flexible platform that combines data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive view of the infectious disease response in the county. 

The ILI dashboard was developed using ESRI technology for data visualizations on the number of ILI-related hospitalizations, ER visits, respiratory disease cases, and deaths due to influenza-related illnesses. By monitoring the prevalence of influenza-like illness in the community, public health officials can more accurately track trends and take action to better protect the public. 

To learn more and explore public health resources, visit dph.sbcounty.gov. To schedule a vaccination appointment near you, visit MyTurn.ca.gov. Together, we can reduce the impact of respiratory viruses in our communities. 

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on October 14 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on September 9 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on August 12 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory today as extreme heat is expected to continue through the week. San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Sharon Wang is urging the public to take necessary precautions during heat waves.

“The summer heat can be dangerous, and everyone should take the right steps to stay safe. Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very serious, especially for those who are more vulnerable,” Wang said. “By keeping cool, drinking plenty of water, and staying informed, we can protect ourselves and those we care about from extreme heat. Being aware of summer heat isn’t just about staying comfortable; it’s about ensuring public health and safety.”

Residents are encouraged to learn the warning signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and are advised to take the necessary precautions to prevent serious health effects such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke by following the tips below.

Stay cool

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Find an air-conditioned cool location open to the public by visiting San Bernardino County Cool Places to Go or by dialing the United Way’s toll-free resource telephone line at 2-1-1. Seniors can also take advantage of the Senior Information and Assistance Hotline at 1-800-510-2020 or visit https://dph.sbcounty.gov/extreme-heat-information-and-resources/.
• Do not rely on a fan as a primary cooling device.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day. Avoid direct sunlight and stay in shaded areas when possible.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature.
• Check on at-risk friends, family, and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Never leave infants or children, or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are open.

Stay hydrated

• Drink water more than usual and don’t wait until thirst sets in.
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working outdoors.
• Avoid liquids containing high amounts of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.
• Make sure family, friends and neighbors are drinking enough water.

For Pets

Pets are vulnerable to high temperatures too but are unable to vocalize their distress. Some signs of heat distress in pets can include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive thirst, and vomiting. Help prevent a heat emergency by taking these steps.

• Provide extra water to your pets.
• Bring pets inside during periods of extreme heat.
• Ensure pets have plenty of shade if kept outside. Remember, the shade pets have in the morning will either change or diminish as the sun moves throughout the day and may not protect them.
• Don’t force animals to exercise when it is hot and humid. Take your pets for a walk early in the morning or late in the evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Do not let pets stand on sidewalks or hot asphalt to avoid burning their paws.
• Never leave pets in a parked vehicle. Even in the shade with windows cracked, temperatures can reach over 120 degrees inside.

Stay informed

Before, during, and after emergencies, San Bernardino County departments and partner agencies work together to improve emergency management and protect lives. Stay informed about disasters and emergencies by visiting the county’s Preparedness Starts Here website at prepare.sbcounty.gov.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on June 3 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on May 20 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

To ensure continued local partnership and collaboration, two contracts with DonkeyLand went into effect on April 1 to provide services in support of wild burros in the Reche Canyon and San Timoteo Canyon areas. View the news release.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on April 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on March 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

H5N1 – bird flu – has been detected in four dairy farms in San Bernardino County. The risk of infection from H5N1 remains relatively low. No person-to-person spread of bird flu has been detected in California.

To learn more, read the County Update article.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on February 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on January 14 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on December 10 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on November 12 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on October 8 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

View the Smoke Advisory.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on September 10 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on August 13 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

Mosquitoes collected in the city of San Bernardino have tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first collection of mosquitoes that have tested positive in 2024 within the area served by the Environmental Health Services Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP). View the news release here.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on July 9 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory as extreme heat is expected to begin today and continue through the weekend. View the news release.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on June 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory as extreme heat is expected to begin today and continue through early next week. View the news release.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on May 14 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on April 9 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on March 12 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on February 13 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has confirmed the county’s first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated death of a child under the age of 5 in December 2023. View the news release.

Every 5 years, the MCAH program conducts a Community Title V Needs Assessment to improve health outcomes of the County’s reproductive age women, infants, children, adolescents, and their families.

Join us and learn about the 5 year-plan for MCAH programs in San Bernardino County. Share your thoughts and make a difference in the health of families.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on January 9 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on December 12 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

The Community Health Center Governing Board Meeting will be held via teleconference on Webex on November 14 from 1 – 3 p.m. View the agenda.

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health commemorates Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 22-28, with a week-long information campaign about childhood lead poisoning issues. View the news release.

A resident of San Bernardino County with underlying health problems who tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) has become the county’s first WNV-associated death of 2023. View the news release.

The first locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus this year have been confirmed in the cities of Rialto and San Bernardino, the Department of Public Health announced today. View the news release.

Get relief from the heat by finding a cooling place near you. Click on the image below to download a list of cooling places.

The Vital Statistics Registration Office (VSRO) has recently launched a new service that will make obtaining birth and death certificates easier and more convenient than ever before. View the news release.

As part of California Mosquito Awareness Week, April 16 – 22, San Bernardino County Environmental Health Services Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP) encourages residents to take action to prevent mosquito breeding by dumping and draining any standing water in and around their home. View the news release here.

February 12 marks Super Bowl LVII and Americans from coast to coast will gather with friends and family to cheer on their team, enjoy the halftime show and partake in traditional football foods. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) wants to keep you in the game with some tips on how not to get benched by foodborne illness. View more here.

Due to an increase in pediatric hospitalizations and daily emergency room visits for respiratory infections, the County Health Officer strongly encourages San Bernardino County residents to follow preventive measures. View the health advisory here.

Licensing dogs is now easier, modernized and more valuable for residents as San Bernardino County Animal Care launches its partnership with DocuPet, a world-leading pet profiling, lost pet, and licensing platform. View the news release.

San Bernardino County’s Public Health Officer has issued a health advisory to bring attention to the dangers of fentanyl due to a marked increase of overdose deaths in the county. View the news release.

Mosquitoes collected in the city of San Bernardino have tested positive for West Nile virus. This is the first collection of mosquitoes that have tested positive in 2022 within the area served by the Environmental Health Services Mosquito and Vector Control Program (MVCP). MVCP is taking steps to eliminate mosquito breeding hazards. View the news release.

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira advises county residents who live near areas affected by the Radford Fire to stay alert to changing smoke levels and be prepared to act accordingly. View the news release.

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory as extreme heat is expected to begin today and continue through early next week. View the news release.

Monkeypox continues to be a high priority in San Bernardino County with a total of 33 cases so far. Although there are no plans to declare monkeypox a public health emergency at this time, the County continues to expand monkeypox availability and resources. View the health advisory.

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has confirmed a positive case of Monkeypox. This single case occurred in a male resident in Fontana who recently traveled out of state. View the news release.

Dog owners in the unincorporated communities of San Bernardino County and the City of Big Bear Lake can now take advantage of a limited program made possible with $7,500 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and a matching donation form the Animals aRe First Fund (ARFF) that will provide 300 additional $50 vouchers for the spaying and neutering of dogs. View the news release.

San Bernardino County Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory as extreme heat is expected to begin today and continue through the weekend. View the news release.

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health commemorates Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 24 – 30, with a week-long information campaign about childhood lead poisoning issues. Our campaign message this year is, “Even small amounts of lead can harm a child’s health. Ask your child’s doctor about a blood lead test.” View the news release.

San Bernardino County Department of Public Health has confirmed its first locally-acquired human case of West Nile virus (WNV) illness in Ontario. This is the first case in Ontario since 2019. View the news release.

The new SmileSBC website makes it easy to get the information you need to keep you and your family’s mouths, teeth and gums healthy. View the news release.

San Bernardino County Public Health officials are urging residents to take precautions after a bird carcass collected in Lake Arrowhead and a collection of mosquitoes from Needles tested positive for West Nile virus.

The Steller’s jay, collected on July 5, is the first positive case of 2021 within the area served by the County Environmental Health Services Mosquito and Vector Control Program. In the same week, a collection of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in the city of Needles.  View the news release.

Starting June 1, California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) families saw a temporary increase in their monthly WIC fruits and vegetables benefit to $35 for each qualifying family member.  View the news release.

Effective 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 15, this order supersedes and replaces related Orders dated May 8, 2020 titled “Requirements for All Individuals Entering Certain Licensed Facilities and Other Agencies Who Are Not A Patient, Existing Resident or New Resident.” View the Health Officer Order.

County of San Bernardino Health Officer Dr. Michael Sequeira issued a heat advisory as extreme heat is expected to begin today and last through the week. View the news release.

Seven animal shelters will join forces to help homeless dogs and cats find loving homes during the Homeward Bound Virtual Pet Adopt-a-Thon on June 26. San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control (ACC), along with five additional animal shelters in the county, will be hosting the virtual pet adoption event. View the news release.

The San Bernardino County Department of Public Health was notified by the California Department of Public Health today that two cases of the more contagious B117 strain of the novel coronavirus have been detected in San Bernardino County. View the news release.

A new investigational monoclonal antibody treatment that may reduce hospitalization for people infected with COVID-19 will be distributed to hospitals and patients in skilled nursing facilities throughout San Bernardino County. View the news release

San Bernardino County residents are urged to prepare for the upcoming influenza (flu) season by getting a flu vaccine, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Getting a flu vaccine will not only reduce risk of illness, hospitalization, and even death, but will also help reduce the burden on our healthcare systems responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. View the news release.

San Bernardino County Interim Health Officer Dr. Gustafson advises county residents who live near areas affected by the El Dorado Fire to stay alert to changing smoke levels and be prepared to act accordingly. View the health advisory.

County of San Bernardino Interim Health Officer Dr. Erin Gustafson issued a heat advisory as temperatures over 100˚F are expected throughout the county today through Labor Day, Sept. 7. View the news release.

San Bernardino County’s hepatitis A cases appear to be slowing this year compared to last year, but the Department of Public Health is urging people to continue to be vigilant about the virus following the death of a man earlier this month. View the news release.