Provider Resources WA

04/24/23 Health Advisory: Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Use Expanded, Monovalent No Longer Authorized

| April 24, 2023
Warning yellow triangle with black exclamation point on left. "Health Advisory" on right.

Requested actions Monovalent Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are no longer authorized for use in the United States. Read below for how to discard and report as waste. Use the new simplified schedule to administer COVID-19 vaccine. People who are 65 years or older or have immune compromise can now get a second bivalent booster … 04/24/23 Health Advisory: Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Use Expanded, Monovalent No Longer Authorized

03/14/23 Health Advisory: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis

| March 14, 2023
Pair of hands lathering soap over a steel sink

Requested actions Background Shigellosis is an acute enteric infection. It is an important cause of domestically acquired and travel-associated bacterial diarrhea in the United States. A low infectious dose makes Shigella bacteria easily transmitted from person to person. Consider shigellosis in the differential diagnosis of acute diarrhea, especially in people who: Shigellosis can be a mild, … 03/14/23 Health Advisory: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis

02/03/23 Health Advisory: Multistate Cluster of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Associated with Artificial Tears

| February 4, 2023
Warning yellow triangle with black exclamation point on left. "Health Advisory" on right.

Actions requested Background Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a cluster of antibiotic-resistant infections that may be linked to artificial tears. The most frequently reported brand was EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free product dispensed in muti-dose bottles. These over-the-counter eye drops are sold widely in … 02/03/23 Health Advisory: Multistate Cluster of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Associated with Artificial Tears

11/08/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity

| November 8, 2022

Multiple viruses are causing increased respiratory illness, especially among children, straining healthcare systems. Transmission of respiratory illnesses is increased in our communities. Schools report much higher absenteeism than normal for this time of year. Our hospital emergency departments are seeing many patients. This increase in illness early in respiratory illness season highlights the importance of … 11/08/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity

10/03/22 Health Advisory: Severe cases of monkeypox among people with immune compromise

| October 3, 2022
Warning yellow triangle with black exclamation point on left. "Health Advisory" on right.

Since May 2022, the United States has seen more than 25,000 cases of monkeypox virus (MPV). Most cases are mild to moderate, but some people are at higher risk of severe illness: Under 8 years old. Immune compromise. Atopic dermatitis or eczema. Pregnant. Unsuppressed or uncontrolled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Of those currently diagnosed with MPV … 10/03/22 Health Advisory: Severe cases of monkeypox among people with immune compromise

09/09/02 Health Advisory: COVID-19 and Monkeypox Update for Providers

| September 11, 2022
Stethoscope on keyboard

COVID-19 On Sept. 1, 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP’s) recommendation of Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine bivalent booster doses. Bivalent booster doses enhance immunity against the ancestral coronavirus strain and protect against newer Omicron variants that account for most current cases. Bivalent booster doses provide optimal protection and … 09/09/02 Health Advisory: COVID-19 and Monkeypox Update for Providers

09/02/22 Health Advisory: Bivalent Vaccine Booster for COVID-19

| September 2, 2022
Tray of lab tubes with green and purple tops

Requested actions Be aware: Moderna and Pfizer created bivalent formulations of their mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The bivalent vaccines target the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 and Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization (EUA) to the bivalent vaccines for use as a single booster dose. People can get … 09/02/22 Health Advisory: Bivalent Vaccine Booster for COVID-19

08/25/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox and COVID-19 Update for Providers

| August 25, 2022
Pair of hands lathering soap over a steel sink

Requested actions Suspect monkeypox virus (MPV) infection in any patient who presents with 1 or more lesions that suggest MPV, regardless of the patient’s age, social history, gender or sexual identity. Several commercial labs, as well as Washington State Public Health Labs (PHL), now test for MPV. PHL updated its MPV specimen collection guidance: Preferred … 08/25/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox and COVID-19 Update for Providers

07/28/22 Health Advisory: Novavax Available to Order

| July 28, 2022
Syringe in vial

Requested actions Be aware, Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available to order. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted it emergency use authorization (EUA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approved. EUA covers a 2-dose primary series for people 18 years or older, including those with immune compromise. Booster … 07/28/22 Health Advisory: Novavax Available to Order

07/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

| July 27, 2022
Four people in scrubs and lab coats talking as seen from above.

We continue to monitor the monkeypox outbreak in Washington and the United States. Report possible monkeypox cases immediately upon suspicion, as Washington State Department of Health (DOH) requires. Call . We will help you complete an intake form and review exposure guidelines to evaluate close contacts. Monkeypox is rare and not often seen in the United States. It can cause a rash … 07/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update