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06/18/26 Provider Alert: Regional Increase in Pertussis Cases
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Pertussis, Provider ResourcesThere has been a recent increase in pertussis cases throughout the Olympic Region. Local healthcare providers are advised to remain alert for patients with symptoms of pertussis, and provide prompt testing and treatment. Consider the diagnosis of pertussis in the following situations: While immunization reduces the risk of pertussis, the disease can affect anyone regardless
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06/15/26 Health Advisory: Infant Botulism Associated with Nara Organics 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 breathing, and
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01/20/26 Washington confirms measles outbreak in Snohomish County
Advisory or Update, Immunizations, Measles, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider Resources, VaccineSummary: WA DOH confirms measles outbreak. Stay alert for cases and notify JCPH. Use the Measles Assessment Checklist and consider measles as a diagnosis in anyone who: Has fever ≥101°F and a generalized maculopapular rash with cough, coryza, or conjunctivitis. And has recently traveled internationally. Or has travelled domestically to a region with a known measles outbreak
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01/20/26 Washington state expands same-day support for opioid use disorder
Telebupe Hotline brings rapid, low-barrier care to people statewide Summary Background People across Washington now have an easier way to get help for opioid use disorder. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) is partnering with the University of Washington (UW) to expand the Washington Telebuprenorphine (Telebupe) Hotline statewide. Washington residents can now access same-day medical treatment via phone or video no matter where they live in the state by
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01/06/26 The West Coast Health Alliance continues to recommend vaccination in alignment with the American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule
Summary The West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) continues to recommend the American Academy Pediatrics (AAP) Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule. Background On January 5, 2026, the Acting Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed a decision memorandum to revise the Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule and significantly reduce the number of vaccinations routinely
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12/26/25 Medetomidine Provider Advisory from Jefferson County Public Health
Summary: What is Medetomidine? Similar to xylazine, medetomidine is a synthetic alpha-2 agonist sedative used in veterinary medicine. In human medicine, medetomidine is most similar to dexmedetomidine (Precedex®) and clonidine. Overdoses involving medetomidine are associated with prolonged sedation that requires adapting overdose response protocols to prioritize breathing over responsiveness. Medetomidine can produce a severe withdrawal
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12/16/25 Immunization Provider Advisory from Jefferson County Public Health
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Hepatitis, Immunizations, Provider ResourcesIn light of recent changes to CDC webpages and recommendations, the Washington State Department of Health (WA DOH) and the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) have made the following statements in support of routine vaccinations as recommended by trusted medical organizations. Given reports of confusion and questions from families, we want to share some resources
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12/05/25 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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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