Communicable Disease Control & Prevention Section

San Francisco Department of Public Health

The Communicable Disease Control & Prevention Section, part of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, works closely with community members, clinicians, and city, state, and private organizations to protect the health of San Franciscans and our visitors. To control and prevent the spread of disease we support community immunization programs, clinician education and training, and emergency and bioterrorism preparedness. We monitor communicable disease outbreaks, alert clinicians to public health threats, investigate cases, and address routes of infection.

Bioterrorism and Infectious Disease Emergencies Unit

The Bioterrorism and Infectious Disease Emergencies Unit of the San Francisco Department of Public Health protects the health of residents and visitors by planning, preparing, and supporting coordinated detection of and response to bioterrorism and infectious disease emergencies, which threaten morbidity and mortality.

Communicable Disease Control Unit

The San Francisco Department of Public Health controls and prevents communicable diseases for San Francisco residents and its visitors by tracking reports of over 80 reportable diseases and conditions, investigating cases and contacts, and recommending public health actions to control the spread of disease.

Communicable Disease Prevention Unit

The Communicable Disease Prevention Unit works to prevent communicable diseases and promote vaccines across the lifespan for all San Franciscans. Our program's primary areas of emphasis include childhood, adolescent and adult immunizations; outreach and education; and vaccine distribution to eligible public and non-profit providers. Many activities and programs exist within these areas.