Provider Resources WA

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

07/28/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

| July 27, 2022
Four doctors talking as seen from above. Two with white coats and 2 in scrubs.

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 … 07/28/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

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

06/24/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance

| June 23, 2022
Scientists in lab using microscope

Requested actions Immediately report suspected monkeypox cases to Whatcom County Health Department. Call the reporting line: 360-778-6150. Submit a suspect monkeypox intake form to help us determine whether to test for monkeypox. Be aware, recent confirmed cases of monkeypox in the United States differ from the classic monkeypox presentation of previous outbreaks. To date, all … 06/24/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance

06/24/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children as Young as 6 Months

| June 22, 2022
Two babies in pool using pool floats

Be aware, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup concluded COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective for children as young as 6 months. Available to children 6 months to 4 years old: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, in a 3-dose primary series. Be sure to review dosage and vial labeling … 06/24/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children as Young as 6 Months

06/14/22 Health Advisory: Routine childhood immunization rates down

| June 9, 2022
Individual with stethoscope and young child on exam table

Background On May 12, 2022, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) announced many children are behind on routine vaccinations compared to pre-pandemic levels. The report found, from June 2019 to December 2021, immunization rates dropped: ↓ 9.6% in children 19–35 months old ↓ 3.9% in children 4–6 years old ↓ 3.6% in children 11–12 years … 06/14/22 Health Advisory: Routine childhood immunization rates down

05/24/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment

| May 24, 2022
close up of a line of prescription pill bottles

Requested actions Be aware, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory about COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment. Continue to offer Paxlovid for early-stage treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in people at high risk of severe disease. Be aware, providers have reported COVID-19 rebound—recurring symptoms or a new positive test after … 05/24/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 rebound after Paxlovid treatment

05/24/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox virus in non-endemic countries

| May 24, 2022
test tubes being analyzed in a lab

Requested actions Be aware, monkeypox virus infections are occurring in non-endemic countries, including 1 case in the United States. Assess for alternative etiologies in conditions causing pox-like lesions—herpes simplex, syphilis, varicella, etc. Report suspected or confirmed monkeypox cases to the Whatcom County Health Department (WCHD). Call 360-778-6150. WCHD will coordinate testing at the public health … 05/24/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox virus in non-endemic countries

05/20/22 Health Advisory: CDC Recommends 5-11 year olds get a Pfizer COVID-19 Booster

| May 20, 2022
three kids looking down at camera

Requested actions Be aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommend children 5-11 years should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose five months after completion of the primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This recommendation comes after Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded its emergency use … 05/20/22 Health Advisory: CDC Recommends 5-11 year olds get a Pfizer COVID-19 Booster