Provider Resources WA

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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