-
West Coast Health Alliance, WA DOH, and Leading National Medical Organizations Continue to Recommend Hepatitis B Vaccination for Newborns
WCHA disagrees with CDC’s Advisory Committee’s change to decades-long vaccine recommendation that has reduced pediatric hepatitis B infections by 99 percent. The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) strongly supports that hepatitis B vaccination continue to be routinely offered to all newborns, with the first dose of the vaccine given within 24 hours of birth for…
-
11/24/25 Health News: Statement Regarding Vaccines and Autism
On November 21 the Department of Health and the West Coast Health Alliance issued statements regarding vaccines and autism. In short, vaccines are thoroughly tested and remain one of the most important tools we have for preventing infectious diseases. They represent one of the greatest public health achievements in history, having saved millions of lives…
-
11/13/25: Health Alert: Infant Botulism Associated with ByHeart Infant Formula
Summary Actions Requested Background Infant botulism is a rare illness where spores of Clostridium botulinum bacteria colonize and grow in an infant’s large intestine. These bacteria release a neurotoxin that causes symptoms like constipation, weakness (especially in sucking, crying, and swallowing), and loss of muscle tone. If untreated, the condition can lead to paralysis, trouble…
-
09/11/25 Health Advisory: 2025–2026 respiratory-illness season vaccine recommendations
Summary COVID-19 vaccine recommendations Washington State Department of Health (DOH) continues to recommend everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant people, stay up to date with the current COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. DOH supports evidence-based recommendations from trusted national medical associations including the American Academy of Pediatrics for…
-
09/04/25 Update from Office of Immunization
Summary: The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has issued a COVID-19 Vaccine Standing Order for individuals aged 6 months and older, including pregnant persons, who do not have contraindications to the vaccine. Please see below for a letter from DOH regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. We will continue to share information and resources as they…
-
08/06/25 Health Advisory: Possible case of locally acquired malaria in Pierce County
Summary: Though the risk remains low, be vigilant for possible cases of malaria and act urgently to diagnose and treat. An East Pierce County woman who has not traveled recently was diagnosed with malaria Aug. 2. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department is working with Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and…
-
07/02/25 Health Advisory: Screening guidance for Candida auris in light of new local cases
Summary: Upgrade screening and preparation for Candida auris. Two facilities in Seattle have known transmission of Candida auris (C. auris). We have limited information about how much transmission is occurring in Washington. We recommend that you: Early screening is critical for rapid identification so you can quickly implement infection control measures and prevent spread at your facility. Background As of…
-
04/18/25 Health Advisory: Stay alert for measles cases
Summary: Recognize measles and notify the Health Department. Consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone who: If you suspect measles, call the Health Department before the patient leaves the clinic using . Background There is a large, ongoing measles outbreak in Texas. Several other states have reported smaller outbreaks of measles. Here in Washington, 4 cases have…
-
4/1/25 Provider Alert: Pertussis Cases Continue to Increase in Jefferson County
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Immunizations, Pertussis, Provider ResourcesThis is a Provider Alert from Jefferson County Public Health regarding an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases. As of 4/1/25, 8 cases of pertussis have been reported in Jefferson County residents in 2025, many of which have been in school-aged children. Healthcare providers should: This is an update to the Provider Alert sent in…
-
2/21/25 Provider Alert: Avian Influenza Animal Health Resources
Advisory or Update, Animal Health, Avian Influenza, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Influenza, One HealthThese updates and resources are current as of 2/21/2025. We will update as needed. Please give us a call at (360) 385-9400 if you have questions. Cats One of our most urgent concerns at this time is cats’ susceptibility to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) due to exposure to wild birds and raw food. Multiple…
-
12/23/24 Provider Alert: Masking recommended for healthcare workers
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Infection Control, Influenza, News and Alerts, Provider Resources, UncategorizedGiven the recent increase in transmission of respiratory viruses, including flu, COVID-19, and RSV, Jefferson County Public Health recommends that all healthcare workers wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask in patient-facing settings to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others. Masking is required in settings of known COVID-19, influenza, or RSV. We also…
-
12/10/24 Provider Alert: Pertussis Cases Continue to Increase in Washington State
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Pertussis, Uncategorized, VaccineThis is a Provider Alert from Jefferson County Public Health regarding an increase in pertussis (whooping cough) cases. Healthcare providers should: This is an update to the Provider Alert sent in May 2024. Current Pertussis Situation in Washington There has been a total of 1,533 confirmed and probable cases of pertussis reported statewide during 2024…
-
10/31/24 Health Advisory: Positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington.
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesWashington State Department of Health is investigating presumed positive human cases of avian influenza in Washington. Healthcare providers should consider avian influenza in patients who present with acute respiratory illness, isolated conjunctivitis, or influenza-like illness (ILI). Assess patients for exposure to animals––especially poultry, cattle, and wildlife, or to people suspected or known to be infected. Current…