Provider Resources WA

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

A stethoscope rests on a computer 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

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

Handwashing over stainless 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

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

Four doctors talking as seen from above. Two with white coats and 2 in scrubs.

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

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

06/22/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children as Young as 6 Months

two babies in a pool on floaties

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 06/22/22 Health Advisory: COVID-19 Vaccine for Children as Young as 6 Months

06/08/22 Health Advisory: Routine childhood immunization rates down

Requested actions Bring your child and adolescent patients’ vaccinations up to date at every opportunity. Contact families who missed well-child visits or childhood vaccinations and ask them to come in for an appointment. Explain to families why it’s important to keep children’s and adolescents’ vaccinations up to date. Review Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 06/08/22 Health Advisory: Routine childhood immunization rates down

05/12/22 Health Advisory: FDA Limits Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.

Syringe in vial

Requested actions Background FDA limited the authorized use of J&J to people age 18 years and older: This decision came after FDA analyzed, evaluated and investigated reported cases of TTS after getting J&J. TTS is rare and includes potentially life-threatening blood clots in combination with low levels of blood platelets. Symptoms typically start 1–2 weeks 05/12/22 Health Advisory: FDA Limits Use of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine.

Pertussis Fact Sheet

Stethoscope on child's back

To report a confirmed or suspect case of pertussis, complete the or call . Overview Pertussis is common and very contagious. It is caused by Bordetella pertussis. The bacteria infect cilia in the upper respiratory tract. Early symptoms are mild, like the common cold. Patients often experience violent coughing fits (paroxysms). These can be followed by Pertussis Fact Sheet