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2/28/25 Health Advisory: Measles Case in King County
Background Public Health – Seattle & King County was notified on February 26, 2025 of a confirmed measles case in a King County infant. The infant may have been exposed to measles during recent travel abroad. Exposed individuals should check to make sure they have been vaccinated against measles. Anyone who was at the following…
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1/26/21 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
Requested actions Be aware, on Jan. 18, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) expanded COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to Phase 1B Tier 1. DOH will expand eligibility to Tier 2 when at least 50% of people in Tier 1 have received their first dose. Notify all patients 65 years or older they are eligible for vaccine. Be…
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1/12/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
COVID-19, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Health Advisory, Infection Control, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider ResourcesRequested actions Be aware, all people in COVID-19 vaccine Phase 1A—people who work in healthcare settings, people who live or work in long-term care, and first responders in emergency medical services—are eligible to receive vaccine. If you need help vaccinating eligible staff, contact the health department. Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and the governor’s…
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Tdap and Pregnancy Information for Providers
Advisory or Update, Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, Health Alert, Immunization, Notifiable Conditions, Pertussis, Provider ResourcesPertussis is a serious disease for young infants. Pertussis epidemics occur in the United States every 3–5 years. Even though we have a vaccine, pertussis is a common infectious disease. There are 10,000–40,000 cases per year and 10–20 deaths.1 In 2013, there were more than 28,000 cases in the United States. Pertussis is most serious in…
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12/28/20 Provider Advisory: Proclamations 20-05 and 20-24 prohibit certain medical and dental procedures unless specific procedures and criteria are met
Notice: This document replaces the WCHD Health Alert of the same name that was posted 12/24/20. Requested Actions Be aware, Governor Inslee extended proclamations 20-05 and 20-24 prohibiting certain medical and dental procedures unless certain specific procedures and criteria are met. All Western Washington healthcare facilities should operate in a contingency care phase—provide appropriate clinical care so…
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12/28/20 – WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine
Notice: This WCHD Health Alert replaces the document of the same name posted 12/24/20 WCHD Health Alert: COVID-19 Vaccine Requested Actions Be aware, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an Emergency Use Authorization for the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for people 16 years and older. Vaccination has begun in Whatcom County. Be…
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12/24/20 – WCHD Health Alert: Quarantine Guidance
WCHD Health Alert – Quarantine Guidance Requested Actions For those who are able, quarantining for 14 days is the safest option to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Recent guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 10-day or 7-day (with negative test <48 hours before ending) are options if there are significant barriers to…
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12/24/20 – WCHD Health Advisory: Be aware of the increased suicide risk in youth during COVID-19
WCHD Health Advisory Requested Actions Screen patients for suicide risk, particularly children, teens, and young adults. Share information and resources with patients and their families on crisis support and suicide risk factors and warning signs Background Increased concern of suicide risk in youth A convergence of factors may be the cause of an increased risk…
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12/3/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers
COVID-19, Emerging Diseases and Conditions, Immunizations, Infection Control, News and Alerts, Notifiable ConditionsHealth Advisory: COVID-19 updates for providers Requested actions Be aware, because of the rapidly increasing cases across the state, heightened restrictions continue through Dec. 14. Counsel patients on how to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Test patients with new COVID-19 symptoms and those who had close contact with a person with COVID-19. Be aware, an increased demand for…
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Health Advisory: Influenza and COVID-19 Updates
Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, Immunizations, Influenza, Influenza Update, News and Alerts, Notifiable Conditions, Provider Resources, UncategorizedPublished Oct. 20, 2020. Requested actions Recommend influenza vaccine for everyone over age 6 months without contraindications to the vaccine. You can use this toolkit to promote influenza vaccination among healthcare workers. Be aware Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released new guidelines on when people with COVID-like symptoms and no known exposure can return…
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Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
Communicable Disease and Immunization Update, COVID-19, Health Advisory, News and Alerts, Provider ResourcesPublished Sept. 3, 2020. Requested actions Be aware COVID-19 testing guidance has not changed in Washington State or Whatcom County. Test all patients with COVID-19 symptoms and their close contacts, even if asymptomatic. Wait at least 5 days after exposure to test those without symptoms. Be aware Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated…
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Health Advisory: Influenza Updates for Providers
Published Aug. 27, 2020 Requested actions Be aware CDC released new guidance on preventing influenza with vaccines during the 2020-2021 season. Background On Aug. 21, CDC released recommendations for immunization practices of seasonal influenza during the 2020-2021 season. Given the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic, widespread use of Influenza vaccine is more important than ever.. In addition…
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8/13/20 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Updates for Providers
Published by DOH Aug. 11, 2020. Requested actions Be aware Washington State Board of Health adopted an emergency rule on COVID-19 notification and reporting. Be aware of Washington State Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS’) Safe Start for Long-Term Care (LTC) recommendations and requirements for: Nursing homes and intermediate care facilities for people with…