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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…
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09/20/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, Provider ResourcesOn Sept. 11, 2023, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized for emergency use new, updated (2023–2024) COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. FDA deauthorized previous bivalent COVID-19 vaccines. On Sept. 11, 2023, FDA deauthorized previous bivalent COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. CDC recommends new, updated (2023–2024) COVID-19 vaccines. CDC’s new, updated (2023–2014) COVID-19…
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04/24/23 Health Advisory: Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine Use Expanded, Monovalent No Longer Authorized
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Immunizations, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested 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…
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03/14/23 Health Advisory: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Infection Control, Notifiable Conditions, Provider Resources, TravelRequested 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,…
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02/03/23 Health Advisory: Multistate Cluster of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Associated with Artificial Tears
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…
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11/23/22 Health Advisory: Pediatric Respiratory Illness Increasing
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, Influenza, Influenza UpdateHealth Advisory: Pediatric respiratory illness increasing in Western Washington Published Nov. 23, 2022. Situation update Information for healthcare providers Nurse advice lines Apple Health Plans Amerigroup (AMG) (866) 864-2544 Community Health Plan (CHPW) (866) 418-2920 Coordinated Care (CCW) (877) 644-4613 Molina Healthcare (MHC) (888) 275-8750 United Healthcare (UHC) (877) 543-3409 Premera Blue Cross and LifeWise…
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11/08/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity
Advisory or Update, Health Advisory, Immunizations, Infection Control, News and Alerts, Provider Resources, SchoolsMultiple 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…
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10/03/22 Health Advisory: Severe cases of monkeypox among people with immune compromise
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Advisory, monkeypox, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesSince 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…
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09/09/02 Health Advisory: COVID-19 and Monkeypox Update for Providers
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Immunizations, monkeypox, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesCOVID-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…
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09/02/22 Health Advisory: Bivalent Vaccine Booster for COVID-19
Advisory or Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Immunizations, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested 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…
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08/25/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox and COVID-19 Update for Providers
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Infection Control, monkeypox, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested 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…
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07/28/22 Health Advisory: Novavax Available to Order
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested 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…
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07/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update
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…