CDPH HEALTH ADVISORY: Reminder to Lower Barriers to Prescribing COVID-19 Therapeutics to Mitigate Impact of COVID-19 December 2, 2022 California Department of Public Health Link California Medical Association Link Background Currently, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are increasing in California. Importantly, other viruses such as influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are also circulating, affecting vulnerable populations including children and the elderly, and straining the state's healthcare systems. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommend that everyone 6 months of age or older has an annual influenza vaccine and stays up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including the bivalent booster that is ... December 12, 2022 COVID19, Patient Care, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
Health Care System Resiliency: Preparing the Health Care System for Operation After the Public Health Emergency Preparing the Health Care System for Operation After the Public Health Emergency: Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Xavier Becerra extended the existing COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) through October 15, 2022 – and has committed to providing states, health care providers and other stakeholders a 60-day notice before ending the PHE. At the beginning of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE), CMS used emergency waiver authorities and various regulatory authorities to enable flexibilities so providers could rapidly respond to people impacted by COVID-19. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ... August 23, 2022 CMS, COVID19, Public Health Resiliency 0 0 Comment Read More »
HEALTH ADVISORY: Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics and Vaccination from SCCPHD DATE: May 27, 2022 TO: All community providers FROM: Sara H. Cody, MD Health Officer George S. Han, MD, MPH Deputy Health Officer Santa Clara County is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases, which may be attributed to waning immunity from vaccination and infection, combined with increasingly contagious subvariants. This health advisory outlines ways that providers can improve patient outcomes, reduce stress on healthcare facilities, and save lives by offering early treatment options and preventative measures to eligible patients. Providers are requested to: 1. Stay updated on COVID therapeutics -- There are readily available treatment options that can reduce a patient’s ... May 31, 2022 COVID19, Public Health SCC, Therapeutics, Vaccine 0 0 Comment Read More »
With COVID-19 Cases on the Rise, County of Santa Clara Health Officials Remind the Public: The Pandemic is Not Over FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 2022 Latest and more infectious subvariants of Omicron are driving community transmission levels back to those seen in February SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. – COVID-19 cases are anticipated to significantly rise locally and nationally in the coming weeks. County of Santa Clara health officials urge residents and visitors to be mindful that the virus is spreading at an increasing rate, and that risk to health from the pandemic continues. Strong vaccination rates in Santa Clara County have helped keep COVID-19 hospitalizations flat, but the 7-day rolling average of reported ... May 13, 2022 COVID19, Public Health Pandemic, Santa Clara County, SCC 0 0 Comment Read More »
COVID-19 Medications Are Available for You to Prescribe to Your Patients: Update from the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department Prescribe the Oral Antiviral Paxlovid to Your Patients · When given early in the course of infection, medications like Paxlovid can reduce the likelihood of severe symptoms, hospitalization, and death. · The National Institute of Health COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines recommends Paxlovid, an oral antiviral, and Remdesivir, an intravenous antiviral, as preferential therapeutics based on their efficacy and convenience of use. · If neither Paxlovid nor Remdesivir are available or clinically appropriate, the NIH recommends providers use the following alternative therapies: Molnupiravir, an oral antiviral, or Bebtelovimab, a monoclonal antibody treatment. Prescribe Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis ... May 6, 2022 COVID19, Healthcare, Patient Care COVID-19, Paxlovid, Public Health Department, Santa Clara County 0 0 Comment Read More »
