Provider Resources WA

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

08/25/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox and COVID-19 Update for Providers

| August 25, 2022
Pair of hands lathering soap over a steel sink

Requested actions Suspect monkeypox virus (MPV) infection in any patient who presents with 1 or more lesions that suggest MPV, regardless of the patient’s age, social history, gender or sexual identity. Several commercial labs, as well as Washington State Public Health Labs (PHL), now test for MPV. PHL updated its MPV specimen collection guidance: Preferred … 08/25/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox and COVID-19 Update for Providers

07/28/22 Health Advisory: Novavax Available to Order

| July 28, 2022
Syringe in vial

Requested actions Be aware, Novavax COVID-19 vaccine is now available to order. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted it emergency use authorization (EUA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup approved. EUA covers a 2-dose primary series for people 18 years or older, including those with immune compromise. Booster … 07/28/22 Health Advisory: Novavax Available to Order

07/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

| July 27, 2022
Four people in scrubs and lab coats talking as seen from above.

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 … 07/26/22 Health Advisory: Monkeypox Update

06/24/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance

| June 23, 2022
Scientists in lab using microscope

Requested actions Immediately report suspected monkeypox cases to Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. Call (253) 649‑1412. Consider submitting 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 United States … 06/24/22 Health Advisory: Updated Monkeypox Guidance