Provider Resources WA

03/14/23 Health Advisory: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis

| March 14, 2023
Pair of hands lathering soap over a steel sink

Requested 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, … 03/14/23 Health Advisory: Extensively Drug-Resistant Shigellosis

02/22/23 Health Advisory: Increase COVID-19 Treatment Access, Prescribing and Uptake

| February 22, 2023
close up of a line of prescription pill bottles

COVID-19 treatment is shown to reduce hospitalization. Yet it is under-used for high-risk patients with acute COVID-19. High-risk patients are: COVID-19 continues to cause 2,000 to 3,000 deaths each week in the United States. On Feb. 6, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) relaunched its free telehealth program. The program, in partnership with Color Health, … 02/22/23 Health Advisory: Increase COVID-19 Treatment Access, Prescribing and Uptake

12/19/22 Health Advisory: Antiviral Flu Treatment Interim Guidance

| December 19, 2022
close up of a line of prescription pill bottles

Be advised: Background Seasonal flu activity is high across the United States. Vaccination and antiviral treatment help prevent and control flu. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved 4 antivirals for early treatment of outpatients with flu: oseltamivir, baloxavir, zanamivir and peramivir. While FDA does not report shortages of oseltamivir in any of its forms, providers … 12/19/22 Health Advisory: Antiviral Flu Treatment Interim Guidance

12/19/22 Health Advisory: Newly Arrived Ukrainian Citizens’ Medical and Mental Health Needs

| December 19, 2022
two people (profile view) sitting at a window facing each other.

On April 21, 2022, President Biden announced a new Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) process to help Ukrainian citizens fleeing war come to the United States temporarily. As of Nov. 18, 2022: Newly arrived Ukrainian citizens have various medical and mental health needs. Resources

11/08/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity

| November 8, 2022
Person with head down, covering mouth with hand

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 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 … 11/08/22 Health Advisory: Increased Respiratory Virus Activity

10/27/22 Health Advisory: 2022–2023 Influenza Season Surveillance, Testing & Treatment

| October 27, 2022
Pair of hands lathering soap over a steel sink

Requested actions Vaccine This season’s updates in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Prevention and Control of Influenza (MMWR Vol. 71/No. 1): Surveillance Seasonal influenza surveillance starts in October and continues through April. We expect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses will circulate simultaneously. To aid testing and treatment decisions, stay aware of local influenza and … 10/27/22 Health Advisory: 2022–2023 Influenza Season Surveillance, Testing & Treatment

10/19/22 Health Advisory: Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters available to children 5 years or older

| October 19, 2022
Eight kids laying in a circle looking up at camera

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approved an age expansion for updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine booster doses. The expansion allows children: 5–11 years old to get 1 booster dose of Pfizer pediatric updated bivalent COVID-19 vaccine. 6–17 years old to get 1 … 10/19/22 Health Advisory: Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters available to children 5 years or older

10/03/22 Health Advisory: Severe cases of monkeypox among people with immune compromise

| October 3, 2022
Warning yellow triangle with black exclamation point on left. "Health Advisory" on right.

Since 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 … 10/03/22 Health Advisory: Severe cases of monkeypox among people with immune compromise

09/09/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 and Monkeypox Update for Providers

| September 11, 2022
Stethoscope on keyboard

COVID-19 Monkeypox Monkeypox virus (MPV) is an ongoing health emergency. Pierce County has 40 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 to report suspected or confirmed cases within 24 hours. Jynneos vaccine We have a limited … 09/09/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 and Monkeypox Update for Providers

09/02/22 Health Advisory: Bivalent Vaccine Booster for COVID-19

| September 2, 2022
Tray of lab tubes with green and purple tops

Requested 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 … 09/02/22 Health Advisory: Bivalent Vaccine Booster for COVID-19