Provider Resources WA

02/03/23 Health Advisory: Multistate Cluster of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Associated with Artificial Tears

Actions requested Background Washington State Department of Health (DOH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are investigating a cluster of antibiotic-resistant infections that may be linked to artificial tears. The most frequently reported brand was EzriCare Artificial Tears, a preservative-free product dispensed in muti-dose bottles. These over-the-counter eye drops are sold widely in 02/03/23 Health Advisory: Multistate Cluster of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria Associated with Artificial Tears

Health Advisory: Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters authorized for children 6 months to 5 years old

Individual with stethoscope and young child on exam table

Earlier this month, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded emergency use authorization (EUA) of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent vaccines for children 6 months and older. Updated (bivalent) COVID-19 booster vaccines are formulated to boost immunity against the original coronavirus strain and protect against the newer omicron Health Advisory: Updated bivalent COVID-19 boosters authorized for children 6 months to 5 years old

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

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

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

12/12/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates

Syringe in vial

Bebtelovimab no longer authorized in the United States. On Nov. 30, 2022, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revoked its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for bebtelovimab. Bebtelovimab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat COVID-19. FDA revoked the EUA because the drug lost efficacy against most SARS-CoV-2 variants currently circulating in the United States. Currently, 12/12/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Therapeutics Updates

11/22/22 Health Advisory: Pediatric respiratory illness increasing in Western Washington

Individual with stethoscope and young child on exam table

On Nov. 18, Washington State Department of Health (DOH) issued a high-level alert on a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causing remarkable strain on pediatric emergency departments (EDs) and intensive care units (ICUs). This alert followed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Nov. 4 Health Alert Network (HAN) advisory on multiple viruses causing 11/22/22 Health Advisory: Pediatric respiratory illness increasing in Western Washington

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

Person covering their mouth with hand, head lowered

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

Handwashing over stainless 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

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

Yellow triangle with ! in the center and "Health Advisory" in black text to the 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