Provider Resources WA

09/21/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized

| September 21, 2023
syringe in medicine vial

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 vaccine recommendations: Vaccination remains the best way to prevent COVID-19 hospitalization and death and reduces the risk of long COVID. The new, updated … 09/21/23 Health Advisory: New COVID-19 Vaccines Authorized, Previous Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines Deauthorized

07/06/23 Health Advisory: Syphilis Treatment Impacted by Bicillin L-A Shortage

| July 6, 2023
Mother holds her child.

Penicillin G benzathine (Bicillin L-A) is in short supply due to increased demand. Syphilis is increasing in all groups, especially in heterosexual people. Reserve Bicillin L-A for pregnant people with or exposed to syphilis, or babies with congenital syphilis. Read on for syphilis: Treatment. Testing with reverse algorithm. Reserve Bicillin L-A for pregnant people. Reserve … 07/06/23 Health Advisory: Syphilis Treatment Impacted by Bicillin L-A Shortage

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

| February 3, 2023
Yellow triangle with ! in the center and "Health Advisory" in black text to the 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

12/12/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates

| December 13, 2022
syringe in medicine vial

Bebtelovimab no longer authorized in the United States. On Nov. 30, 2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bebtelovimab. Bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat COVID-19. FDA revoked the EUA because the drug lost efficacy against most SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the United States. Currently, … 12/12/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates

11/23/22 Health Advisory: Pediatric respiratory illness increasing in Western Washington

| November 23, 2022
blonde child using kleenex

On Nov. 18, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) issued a high-level alert on a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causing remarkable strain on pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and intensive care units (ICUs). This alert followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Nov. 4 Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory on multiple viruses causing … 11/23/22 Health Advisory: Pediatric respiratory illness increasing in Western Washington

11/10/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity

| November 15, 2022
Person covering their mouth with hand, head lowered

This increase in illness early in respiratory illness season highlights the importance of prompt vaccination and antiviral treatment. See Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) HAN alert. 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 … 11/10/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity

09/14/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers

| September 14, 2022
hands in blue medical gloves holding a syringe and drawing from a vile

FDA removed its authorization of current (monovalent) Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines for use as booster doses in people 12 years or older. As of Aug. 31, you may no longer give current (monovalent) Moderna and Pfizer vaccines as booster doses to people 12 years or older. Reschedule existing booster dose appointments for people 12 years … 09/14/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Providers

09/14/22 Health Advisory: Monkey Pox Information for Providers

| September 14, 2022
Handwashing over stainless steel sink.

Monkeypox Monkeypox virus (MPV) is an ongoing health emergency. Whatcom County has 2 reported cases. The United States has over 21,000 reported cases. See our provider resources monkeypox page for prevention, testing and treatment guidance. Monkeypox is a notifiable condition. Call 360-778-6150 to report suspected or confirmed cases within 24 hours. Jynneos vaccine We have a limited … 09/14/22 Health Advisory: Monkey Pox Information for Providers

08/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update for Providers

| August 26, 2022
Handwashing over stainless steel sink.

Requested actions Be aware, the first cases of monkeypox virus (MPV) in cisgender adult females and an adolescent under the age of 18 were reported in Washington State. Clinicians should suspect Monkeypox virus infection in any patient presenting with one or more lesions that suggest monkeypox infection, regardless of the patient’s age, social history, gender, … 08/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update for Providers

07/18/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance

| July 18, 2022
Exam room with vitals equipment on wall

Requested actions Washington currently has 53 reported cases of monkeypox, mostly in King County. Early cases were linked to travel but Public Health Seattle–King County announced last week the virus is likely spreading locally.  Monkeypox is rare and not often seen in the United States. It can cause a rash that looks like bumps, blisters … 07/18/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance